Penclawdd Jr Brass Band - World record holders?

On a Saturday, the 21st of June, Nomad Bar & Kitchen came alive with brassy fanfare and community spirit as part of “It’s Brassy Down the Bandstand” celebration for Make Music Day UK—and what a blast it was!

A Brass-Packed Afternoon

From around 2:30 PM, the sunlit outdoor bandstand filled with the warm, resonant tones of the Penclawdd Junior Brass Band. These talented youngsters—ranging from fresh-faced beginners to seasoned teenage players—opened with a lively set of traditional marches and popular tunes, drawing in families, dog-walkers, and brass enthusiasts alike.

At precisely 3:00 PM, the band all joined more than 400 musicians nationwide in a simultaneous performance of the classic march “Slaidburn.” Hearing that iconic melody ripple through Nomad’s courtyard—and knowing it was echoing in 19 other locations around the UK—was genuinely goosebump-inducing. The record attempt promoted by the Vale of Glamorgan Brass Band was a success! With bands all over the UK simultaneously performing the songs.

After the mass performance, Penclawdd Jr Brass Band rewarded us with another half-hour of spirited tunes before wrapping up at 4:00 PM. By the end, everyone was smiling, toes were tapping, and a few even snuck in some impromptu brass-dance moves!

Spotlight on Penclawdd Junior Brass Band

• Local roots: Founded in the early 2000s by a group of volunteer musicians, the band has become a fixture of Swansea’s brass scene.

• Youth development: Members range from 8 to 18 years old, many of whom have gone on to win regional solo competitions.

• Community champions: Beyond this event, they’re known for performing at local fetes, hospital visits, and charity galas—spreading joy (and a bit of cheeky brass swagger) wherever they go.

  
  

Why It Mattered

• Welsh brass revival: This was more than a one-off concert—it was part of a growing movement to celebrate community music-making across Wales (and beyond).

  
  

A Big Thanks (and What’s Next)

A huge shout-out to everyone who popped down—whether you grabbed a pint, shared a picnic, or simply paused in the sunshine to listen. You made it feel less like a concert and more like a neighbourhood celebration.

Keep an eye on Penclawdd Jr Brass Band’s socials and Make Music Day UK’s channels to see the compilation video soon. In the meantime, they'll be sifting through video clips, swapping memories, and planning how to top it next year.

Until then, here’s to more music, more moments, and more reasons to gather under Nomad’s skies. 🍻🎺