*
banner

Towcester set to repel the Viking hordes — again...

Towcester Studio Band will be getting ready later today to repel the Danish vikings with the help of a brand new composition from Jonathan Bates

Vikings
  Towcester will be hoping the Viking visitors this time will be just as friendly...

Towcester Studio Band will be performing a brand new composition this weekend to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the town.

In 917 AD King Edward the Elder (son of Alfred the Great) fortified the abandoned Roman town of Lactodorum to create a new Anglo-Saxon fortress. He named this settlement Tofeceastre meaning 'Castled City' on the river Tove.

In the same year an army of Danish Vikings attacked the town, although the Saxons successfully defeated them.

Anniversary battle

Musical Director Neil Brownless decided to call on the compositional skills of Jonathan Bates to help the band mark the anniversary of this battle and the start of the town.

The result is 'Towcester 917' which will take listeners back in time to 917 to experience the battle in music. The commissioning of the work has been supported by South Northamptonshire Council and Persimmon Homes.

Neil told 4BR: "It's been a fantastic opportunity for the band to work on a brand new composition with the composer, and the premiere will round off a year of celebrations for the local community.

We have even invited a guest from the Danish Embassy to come to the concert — although hopefully they will decide against a second invasion attempt."

We have even invited a guest from the Danish Embassy to come to the concert — although hopefully they will decide against a second invasion attemptNeil Brownless

Workshop

Following the concert at St Lawrence Church on Saturday evening Jonathan will return to Towcester to work with local young musicians in some composing workshops.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Smith and Grezzy

Smith & Grezzy: Big Chat podcast

July 5 • The latest episode is entitled 'Entertainment Post Bag and Talking with Dinosaurs'...


roal

Royal seal of approval for Scottish banding

July 5 • Scottish banding has been playing its part in welcoming the royals on their latest visit to the nation.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd