Welsh Open 2018 

Filton Concert were victorious at the 2018 Welsh Open Entertainment Championship. The band won the coveted CISWO Challenge Cup as well as prize money of £1,000. Adjudicator Steve Sykes described their performance as, "good music, very well played" awarding the Bristol based band a two-point margin over Welsh League titles holders Llywdcoed with Wantage Silver making up the top three. 

Filton's programme opened with 'Brass Machine' before baritone soloist, Philip James impressed with ABBA's hit 'Slipping Through My Fingers'. This was followed by 'Gypsy Dance' and 'Glow' by Eric Whitacre, before ending with 'Flight of the Wild Geese' by Robin Dewhurst. 

The event was once again an enjoyable one, and with the important link to the British Open Spring Festival lending more gravitas to the contest, next year's date has already been added to the calendar as February 16th 2019.  
Contest Controller Dean Evans stated: "We are indebted for the support we receive for the event and will work hard to ensure that the contest continues to flourish. Our thanks go to all the helpers and volunteers as well as the contest day team and especially the bands, which we hope to welcome once more next year." 

Results: 
Welsh Open Entertainment Championship 
Adjudicator: Steve Sykes  
Stage Entertainment: Sarah Hayward 
1. Filton Concert (Tom Davoren) — 189 
2. Llwydcoed (Chris Turner) — 187 
3. Wantage Silver (Paul Holland) — 186 
4. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter) — 184 
5. Jackfield Elcock Reisen (Simon Platford) — 183 
6. Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins) — 182 
7. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Dewi Griffiths) — 181 
8. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson) — 180 
9. Burry Port (Christopher Bond) — 179 
10. Tylorstown (Gary Davies) — 177 
11. Markham & District (Matt Rowe ) — 176 
Withdrew: Abergavenny Borough 
Highest Placed First Section Band not in prizes: Ebbw Valley Brass 
Most Entertaining Stage Presentation: Tylorstown 
Best Soloist: Robin Hackett (trombone) — Ebbw Valley Brass 
Best Cornet Player: Sara-Jane Wallbridge (Wantage Silver) 
Best Soprano: Ian Roberts — City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 
Best Horn Section: Llwydcoed 
Best Percussion Section: Filton Concert  
Youngest Player: Tom Hoof (aged 12) — Jackfield Elcock Reisen 
British Open Spring Festival qualification: Wantage Silver 
 
 
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