Two sisters from Powys are one step closer to becoming the next big Welsh band after making it through to the semi finals of Battle of the Bands.
‘Paned’– made up of Jess Hall from Llandrindod Wells and Miriam from Builth Wells, recently competed in the south-east regional heat of Brwydr Y Bandiau Mentrau Iaith Cymru (The Welsh Language Initiatives) and C2 Radio Cymru 2010 Battle of the Bands.
The event was held at Clwb y Bont Pontypridd, and as well as Paned, there were Y Mystics from Brecon and three bands from Swansea – Yr Angen, Y Brodyr Coll and RTR.
Paned (which means ‘cuppa’ in Welsh), Y Mystics and Yr Angen made it through to the semi-finals.
Now Paned is looking for support from local people when the semi-finals are broadcasted on C2 Radio Cymru on March 25 between 8pm and 10pm. Y Mystics will be on March 23, FM Radio 92 – 105.
The winners will be decided by a public phone vote.
Prizes for the competition winners include a recording a session for C2 on Radio Cymru; an invitation to perform at the Maes B festival at the National Eisteddfod; gigs organised by Mentrau Iaith Cymru (the Welsh Language Initiatives), an appearance on S4C and an invitation to perform on the C2 Ciwdod schools tour 2010.
Euros Richards, Menter Brycheiniog a Maesyfed coordinator, said: “This is great news for the local music scene in South Powys!
“We hope the success of Llandrindod based Paned and Y Mystics in the Brwydr y Bandiau Mentrau Iaith Cymru and C2 Radio Cymru 2010 competition will raise the profile the local music scene across Wales, the profile of the Welsh language music scene in South Powys and also raise the profile of the two bands.
“We also hope that this competition will show that the Welsh language and Welsh culture is relevant to the youth of today.”
For further information on Paned visit www.myspace.com/paned1 or telephone 07970797224 or email jahall@me.com

PICTURE: Miriam (left) and Jess Hall are hoping for great success in the Battle of the Bands.
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