*
banner

Old treasures unearthed for Besses Boys anniversary

Some wonderful memorabilia will be on show at the special Besses Boys' Band 75th anniversary concert later this year

Besses Boys
  Some wonderful pictures will be on display at the special gala concert and exhibition

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the formation of Besses Boys' Band, the organisation is putting together an exhibition, which will feature images, memorabilia, trophies and regalia that until now have been hidden away for decades.

Formed in 1943, Besses Boys' Band was created as a feeder band to the senior Besses o' th' Barn Band, which this year celebrates its 200th anniversary.

Worldwide success

Over the 75 years the band has enjoyed worldwide success performing in competitions and concerts, including winning the National Youth Championships of Great Britain and making both European and Australian tours.

Former members of the band have also gone on to enjoy successful careers with the likes of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Halle Orchestras, as well as the professional British Army bands of the Irish, Welsh and Coldstream Guards.

Rich heritage

Band spokesperson Bradley Hirst told 4BR: "The band is proud to be celebrating its 75th birthday.

Our rich heritage and successes are a result of our member's commitment and to all who have supported the band, and donated their time to this great organisation over the years.

The exhibition will be a perfect way to celebrate that history, while inspiring many more years of music making to come."

The exhibition will be a perfect way to celebrate that history, while inspiring many more years of music making to comeBand spokesperson Bradley Hirst

Gala concert

The exhibition will be on display at the commemorative gala concert at the Victoria Halls in Bolton, on October 13th.

Former players and supporters are encouraged to get in touch if they wish to lend or contribute items to the display.

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    


sWISS nATIONAL

Report & Results: 2026 Swiss National Solo Championships

April 3 • Julie Pralong joins a prestigious list of National Champions as the Treize Etoiles cornet star claims a trio of titles in Bern.


Elijah Baker

Report & Result: 2026 Australian National Championships — Champion of Champions

April 3 • A rising star makes an historic mark in Brisbane as Elijah Baker makes it a clean sweep of solo titles.


SBBA

Apocalypse marks Montreux return

April 3 • The Swiss National Championships will return to Montreux later this year with test pieces by Derek Bourgeois, Stephan Hodel Philip Wilby, Bertrand Moren, Mario Burki and Gauthier Dupertuis.


NYBBGB

Limited seats left for NYBBGB Easter showcases

April 3 • You will need to be sharp to ensure you get a seat for the two National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Easter concerts. So book now...


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet Brass Quintet

Tuesday 7 April • Charlton House. Charlton Road . London SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 3 • We have vacancies for a trombone player and a bass player. Cleethorpes Band rehearse near the seafront on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the NOE 4th section. Other players are always welcome as we may be able to switch positions around


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • . Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • Tintwistle Band are looking for an Eb bass player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd