*
banner

Pillowell's heavy steam celebration

Pillowell Silver Band has helped Radio Gloucester celebrate its 30th birthday in style...

Steam
  The band played along to the sound of steam

It was full steam ahead for members of Pillowell Silver Band recently after they featured in a special video to celebrate BBC Radio Gloucestershire's 30th birthday.

They were part of a cast of 100 people from across the county used by film-makers from the University of Gloucester to recreate the pop song that was number 1 in the charts on the day it went on air in 1988 — 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother'.

Also featured were some of the county's well-known personalities, such as the Olympic ski-jumper Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards, and was shot at various iconic locations across Gloucestershire, with Pillowell filmed on-board the famous Dean Forest Railway.

Privilege

As well as making their film debut, Pillowell has been preparing a number of contests and Christmas concerts, but as MD Ian Whitburn told 4BR: "It was a real privilege to be involved in such a lovely birthday project — one that not just celebrated the radio station but featured the colour and heritage of the county.

Brass bands are at the heart of the Forest of Dean, so it was fitting one was involved.

It was a real privilege to be involved in such a lovely birthday project — one that not just celebrated the radio station but featured the colour and heritage of the countyPillowell Silver

Enjoy

You can enjoy the video film at:

or https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06pv81t?fbclid=IwAR01-NvTX-RtbgTagugTJnTsWIL57IuT1Ms0hWXiUd1GDZqdc8tJejfTewY

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    


Yasuaki Fukuhara

Memorable RNCM Festival exceeds ambitions

January 26 • A weekend packed with memorable performances and highlights showcases the best of brass band music making to the world in Manchester.


No European Championship in England in 2028

January 24 • A difficult funding landscape sees BBE withdraw from hosting the European Championship in Birmingham in 2028


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band invites applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band rehearse every Thursday evening from 1930 - 2130 . The Musical Director will take a leadership role working with the senior band and will liaise with the training ban


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd