Following the success of the 2014 competition, S4C is delighted to announce Band Cymru 2016 and a brand new competitionm Band Ieuenctid Cymru. These exciting competitions are for brass, wind and jazz bands. Band Ieuenctid Cymru is for bands 18 years of age and under on 31.08.16.
This will be a unique opportunity for television audiences to enjoy the very best in Welsh bands. The winner of Band Cymru will be awarded £10,000 and £1,000 will be given to the winner of the under 18 category.
Each band should have a minimum of 12 wind or brass instruments and a maximum of 5 members playing an instrument that isn't wind or brass. There is a maximum number of 35 members in any band throughout the competition.
Elen Rhys, S4C's Entertainment Content Commissioner says, "The Band Cymru 2014 competition certainly caught the imagination of the audience proving that Wales is not only the land of song but of the instrumentalists. S4C is very pleased to be able to extend this competition this time to include a live final and a brand new competition to include youth bands. We will celebrate the sounds of these bands in what promises to be a very exciting competition."
Following a series of auditions throughout Wales, 12 bands will be invited to appear at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre during the weekend of 9-10 April 2016. The 12 bands through to the semi-finals will receive a prize of £500.
The 12 bands will be split into four groups for four television programmes and there will be a winner at the end of each programme. The final will be held at the Parc and Dare Theatre, Treorchy on Sunday, 22 May 2016. The four selected bands will receive a further £500. The winner of Band Cymru 2016 will receive a further prize of £9,000.
Following a series of auditions across Wales for Band Ieuenctid Cymru 2016, four bands will be invited to appear in the final at the Parc and Dare Theatre, Treorchy on Saturday, 21 May 2016. Each band that reaches the final will receive £250.
A £1,000 will be given to the winning band ieuenctid.
The closing date for both competitions is 12 October 2015. Applications are welcomed from bands from Wales but the winning band from Band Cymru 2014 will not be allowed entry in 2016.
During the semi finals of Band Cymru 2016, the winning soloist selected by the judges will be awarded a prize of £500.
To compete, contact Rondo on 02920 223456 or bandcymru@rondomedia.co.uk
