*
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    


Herbert

Brass bands on the Telegraph lines

August 31 • The Daily Telegraph's review of Prof Trevor Herbert's new book on brass bands draws a positive future outlook from critic Ivan Hewett.


Insurance

T&R Direct Insurance Services: A guide to brass band insurance

August 31 • Loads of things all bands and players need to know about protecting instruments


Wobplay

Banding classics added to Wobplay

August 31 • A great trio of classic banding releases, a new podcast episode and the chance to look back at this year's Elgar International Festival.


Camborne

Camborne Brass look to raise funds after break-in vandalism

August 31 • A Crowdfunding page has been launched to help Camborne Brass after vandals broke into their bandhall and caused extensive damage.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd