Markham and District Brass Band

06/09/2026

We had great fun Llanhilleth Miners Institute - thanks for asking us! What a fun day! 🎺

04/09/2026

🎺 We’re out and about this Sunday!

We’re looking forward to being part of the celebrations marking 120 years Llanhilleth Miners Institute this weekend.

There’s plenty happening throughout the day as this fantastic local venue celebrates its history and place at the heart of the community. We're looking forward to providing some of the music! 🎶

Take a look at the full timetable below and come along and join us if you can.

See you Sunday! 💙

🎉 This Sunday – Come and Experience Llanhilleth Miners Institute!

What would it have been like to walk through the doors of Llanhilleth Miners Institute in September 1906, when this remarkable building first opened its doors?

This Sunday, we want to recreate just a little taste of that opening celebration, when music, community and coming together were at the heart of the occasion. 🎶

We’re delighted to welcome the incredible Markham & District Brass Band, alongside the wonderful Abertillery Orpheus Male and Ladies Choirs, who will help us fill the Institute with music once again. 🎺🎶

And there’s plenty more to discover…

🏛️ Llanhilleth Heritage Centre will be joining us with an exhibition exploring the fascinating history of Llanhilleth Colliery, 1850–1969.

👷‍♂️ For our younger visitors, there will be heritage-inspired arts and crafts, with the chance to make their own miners' helmets, Davy lamps and pit ponies, as well as face painting.

🥧 And of course, no community celebration would be complete without something delicious to eat! We’ll have cakes and treats, filled rolls and our famous corned beef pie available to enjoy. 😋

But this day is about more than looking back.

It’s a celebration of everything that makes our heritage special - our proud legacy, the people and communities who have shaped this place, and the future we can build together.

It’s also an opportunity to find out more about what we do at Llanhilleth Miners Institute, our plans for the future and how you can get involved.

💙 So come along, bring your family, bring your friends and spend some time with us this Sunday.

Everyone welcome. Come and be part of this very special celebration of 120 years of Llanhilleth Miners Institute.

02/09/2026

❄️ THE SNOWMAN IS BACK! ❄️

Yes, we know it’s only just September… but Christmas plans are already beginning at Markham! 🎄🎺

After a sell-out performance last year, we’re delighted to announce that The Snowman returns this December, with the magical film shown on the big screen accompanied by a LIVE soundtrack from Markham & District Band.

📅 Sunday 13th December
📍 Llanhilleth Miners Institute
🕔 5pm — doors open 4.15pm

And there’s a very good reason to get organised early…

🎟️ Early bird tickets are available until 15th October!

Last year’s performance sold out, so if this is already part of your Christmas tradition — or you missed out last time — don’t leave it too late.

🎫 Tickets are on sale NOW:

https://www.ticketsource.com/markham-district-band

Christmas music, a live brass band and one of the most magical festive films ever made. ☃️🎺✨

We can’t wait to do it all over again!

20/08/2026

It was great to welcome Ruth Jones MP to our bandroom on Monday evening, following our visit to Parliament earlier this summer.

This time it was our turn to host!

We had the opportunity to show Ruth around our home at the Showfield, introduce her to members of the band and chat about everything that’s been happening at Markham during what has already been a pretty busy year.

And, of course, no visit to the bandroom would be complete without some music… so Ruth also got a little preview of the National Finals piece for York next month. 👀🎺

A big thank you to Ruth for taking the time to come and see us, and for her continued interest and support as we prepare to represent Wales in York. 💙

18/08/2026

🎺 The final piece of the puzzle…

We’re delighted to announce that Sarah Jayne has joined us on Solo Baritone, completing our line-up for the remainder of the year.

Sarah returns to banding after taking a break while family life took priority, and brings with her a wealth of experience at the highest level.

After starting out with Gwent Youth Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, Sarah went on to play with Tredegar, Mid Rhondda, Wingates, Blaenavon, Abertillery and Flixton, as well as studying music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Musical Director Gary Davies said:

“It’s great to see a player of Sarah’s quality and experience returning to banding, and I’m delighted that she’s chosen to do that with us.

“Sarah brings a huge amount of experience to the band. She’s the final piece of the puzzle for us as we head into an exciting few months, and I’m really looking forward to working with her as we prepare for the National Finals in York.”

After some time away, Sarah is looking forward to getting back to something she has always loved and making music again, and we’re really pleased she’s chosen to do that with us as we head into our preparations for York. 🎺💙

17/08/2026

📣 100 CLUB DRAW 📣

At tonights rehearsal we drew Augusts 100 club winner!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us again this month!

03/08/2026

Full results from the weekend’s contest courtesy of 4barsrest reporting. 🏆

Deiniolen claims its first ever top section title at the National title in Pembrokeshire, as section titles go to Markham & District and Brass@Bont.

02/08/2026

What a weekend!

We’re still smiling after yesterday’s fantastic result at the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru.

Thank you for all the lovely messages. Our biggest thanks go to our players, who delivered a performance we were incredibly proud of, with the result the cherry on top!

Here are a few of our favourite photos from a memorable day.

A perfect way to start our summer break. 🏆🎶