A MEIRIONNYDD ensemble of musical maestros has once again asserted its dominance at a national competition.

The Oakeley Silver Band (Seindorf yr Oakeley), based in Blaenau Ffestiniog, has won the same competition in the National Eisteddfod for the third time in three years.

The hat-trick was awarded after the talented band competed in the ‘Section 4’ category during the opening day of the Abergavenny Eisteddfod on Saturday 30 July.

The 28-strong band was up against five other groups, all from South Wales.

Against stiff opposition, the band won its competition and took home the Ivor Jones Challenge Cup and a £500 cash prize with a particularly impressive performance.

The competition sections range from 1-4 with ‘4’ being the highest standard possible.

The Oakeley Silver Band was first established more than 150 years ago and has been a regular competitor at the National Eisteddfod.

John Evans, who plays a small tuba-like instrument called a Euphonium with the band, was thrilled with the performance.

“We’re delighted to retain the Ivor Jones Challenge Cup for the third year running and we’re hoping to keep it permanently now,“ John told the Cambrian News.

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News