*
banner

Besses Boys at the heart of Europe

A great concert tour by Besses Boys Band certainly took place right in the heart of Europe.

Besses Boys
  Besses Boys Band at Drielandenpunt — right in the heart of Europe

Besses Boys Band has just returned from a self-funded five-day European tour, visiting Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

The band performed three concerts, including one at Drielandenpunt; the point at which Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet. Concert programmes comprised a mix of traditional standards, solo items and music from stage and screen, all of which were well received by appreciative audiences.

Standing room only

The open-air concerts were well attended, with audience numbers swelled to standing room only once the sounds of the band drifted through the many local cafes and bars.

A representative of Luxembourg City Council made a presentation to MD James Holt, thanking him for '...entertaining the people of Luxembourg with your wonderful music'.

The tour itinerary interspersed concerts with opportunities to spend time exploring the cultural and social heritage of the local area, including a visit to Cologne Cathedral and boat trip along the Rhine.

Over the past few years we've run several successful tours and this was certainly one of the best, especially with the three fabulous concertsMD, James Holt

Great opportunity

James told 4BR: "Tours such as this are a great opportunity to spend time together both on and off the concert stage. Over the past few years we've run several successful tours and this was certainly one of the best, especially with the three fabulous concerts.

My thanks go to all band members and supporters for their part in making this tour such an enjoyable success."

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    


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd