*
banner

Snapshot Besses history gains Radio 3 spotlight

Radio 3 does a little bit of time travelling to give listeners a snapshot of the rich history of Besses o' th' Barn Band

Besses
  Besses were at their contesting peak in 1892

The rich history of the brass band movement recently enjoyed a moment in the media spotlight with an excellent mini-feature about Besses o' the' Barn Band on the Radio 3 'Essential Classics' programme.

Time traveller

It was presented by Kate Romano as the 'musical time traveller' who looked through the historical lens of Joseph Hampson's famous 1892 book about the north west band situated between Manchester and Bury which had just won the British Open title under Alexander Owen.

One of the oldest brass bands in the world, at the time of the publication they were perhaps at the very peak of their contesting powers4BR

Contesting peak

One of the oldest brass bands in the world, at the time of the publication they were perhaps at the very peak of their contesting powers.

Click on the link below for Radio 3 today Essential Classics and go to 1.09 into the programme.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000d81m

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    


NYBBGB

Quartet of youthful premieres to be showcased by NYBBGB

June 12 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will showcase four world premieres as part of its Sumer Course Concert in London.


Stamp

StAMP of musical excellence to be heard in St Andrews

June 12 • The fifth anniversary of the St Andrews Music Participation initiative is being celebrated with performances in St Andrews this weekend.


Edward Gregson

Gregson church celebration in Ashley

June 12 • There will be a very personal birthday celebration from the friends of Edward Gregson this weekend in Cheshire.


Joe Cook

Cook honoured with Medal of the Order of Australia

June 12 • Joe Cook, one of Australia's finest brass players has been honoured in the King's Birthday Honours List.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


West Wycombe Brass Band

June 11 • We are looking for players. Flugel and Horns. Positions negotiable . Non contesting, easy going, friendly band. Sensible engagement list. Some instruments available. Playing or returning, come along and see for yourself.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd