On an unseasonably warm and sunny March day, young musicians from all over the UK descended on the historic Gregynog Hall for a day of competition. The event, sponsored by Lloyds Animal Feeds is open to any instrumentalist under the age of 18 at the standard of grade 8 or equivalent.

From the 16 semi finalists who competed during the day, five were chosen to go through to the finals evening concert and a chance to win £1,000 First prize and the Peter Garbett-Edwards Trophy. The winner also is given an opportunity to appear at Gwyl Machynlleth Festival and Tenby Arts Festival.

The audience were treated to musicianship of an extremely high standard and the adjudicator panel of Michael Harris, Louise Hopkins and Euros Rhys Evans certainly had a delightful challenge in making their decisions.

First prize was awarded to 16 year old Oboe player Tom Blomfield, who lives in Lloc, North Wales and attends Alun School, Mold. At the age of 10 Tom began to learn the oboe and now attends the Royal Northern College of Music studying under the tutorship of Rachel Pankhurst. He is principle oboe with several orchestras in his local area and is a member of the National Youth Orchestra. Tom has played at St David's Hall, The Sage and has toured in Budapest and Prague.

Second prize of £500 was awarded to Jack Lapthorn playing the baritone horn. Jack from Newport, South Wales, studies at Chetham's School of Music, Manchester. He plays with the Cory Band who are current world champions and the National Youth Band of Wales.

Third prize of £250 was won by Meera Maharaj playing the Flute. Meera is studying AS level at Lymm High School, Cheshire. She is a member of the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain.

Runners up were Jacob Warn playing Recorders from Bristol and Nest Jenkins from Tregaron playing Harp. They received £100 each.

A new category has been launched this year titled 'Young Accompanist' with prize money of £300. The winner was Emily

Jeffcot who accompanied Tom Blomfield.