Saturday 09 August 2008
It was just not meant to be......
With seven former National Eisteddfod winners competing for the Fusiliers Cup, awarded to the Best Male Voice Choir (Over 45 in number), disappointment for many was inevitable. Such was the case for Bridgend Male Choir this year, although it took to the stage encouragingly with 14 new choristers who had joined since the last competition, staging with its greatest ever number, 83. Bridgend was the only choir participating in the large choirs competition from the geographical area south of Snowdon and east of Swansea.
Having won the Cup in 2004 and 2006, the boys from Bridgend had practiced hard and believed they had every chance of repeating their success. Their disappointment will have been shared by Cor Meibion Maelgwm (Llandudno) which won last year and also was not placed in 2008.
The excellent Cor Meibion Pontarddulais picked up the trophy, the runner up positions being taken by Brythoniaid (Blaenau Ffestiniog) and Y Traeth (Anglesey), both of which had made the long journey south.
All participants had thoroughly enjoyed the day and the camaraderie, despite the atrocious weather. Many choristers filled the bars at the Maes after the competition for what is always a wonderful combined informal singing event.
Bridgend Male Choir traditionally changes much of its programme post competition and choristers now look forward to learning a number of light opera pieces in readiness for its Annual Concert on 17th October.