Vincent Evans (Gwaun-cae-gurwen)

Records relating to Gwaun-cae-gurwen Silver Band including programmes 1949-1966 and notes, undated (c1965 and c1970).

Vincent Evans was Secretary of the Gwaun-cae-gurwen Silver band for 23 years.

The band was formed in 1862 by a group of local men, many of whom were miners. Each member contributed to the cost of a set of second hand instruments. The first conductor was Mr David Benjamin Evans. By 1898 the band was competing in contests and during the first decade of the 20th century enjoyed great success. In 1925 the band performed at the Wembley Exhibition and was the first Welsh band to make an outside broadcast. In 1934 the band won the Championship Contest of their section at the British Championships at Crystal Palace in London. Following this, the band went on to win 28 first prizes, 3 second prizes and 1 third prize in 38 consecutive contests. In 1947 the band entertained the public at the 'Miners' Come to Town' exhibition, Marble Arch, London in a special bandstand resembling a pit-head. That same year the band won first prize at the Colwyn Bay National Eisteddfod.

The band was disbanded in 1955, but a new band was formed in 1956. A Junior Band was also established and they won the National Youth Championship of Great Britain in 1965, going on to play in the Albert Hall that same night, as part of the Massed Bands Festival Concert. Successes continued and in 1971 the band won 7 first prizes and 2 second out of 9 contests.

Access unrestricted unless stated otherwise.

A hardcopy list is available in the searchroom.

A photocopying service is available. Contact repository for details.

No publication without written permission from the Archivist.