*
banner

4BR Tuesday Interview with Steven Mead

4BR catches up with the virtuoso Besson euph star/musical archeologist to talk about a long forgotten hour long video production from the 2006 National Championships of Great Britain that has seen the light day again.

Griemthorpe
  The contest was won by Grimethorpe Colliery Band conducted by Allan Withington

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

The video of the 2006 National Championships of Great Britain has been hidden away, long forgotten in the dusty corners of Steve's attic until now — and it makes for fascinating viewing.

Not only do we all look a lot younger (4BR Editor included), it is a reminder of the enduring popularity of the event when a test-piece catches the imagination — and Grimethorpe and Allan Withington claimed the title in thrilling fashion.

The Major

There are some great interviews with the likes of Major Peter Parkes and Geoffrey Whitham and the adjudicators, as well as footage of the bands in performance and the players as they come off stage.

Made to mark Buffet's reconnection with the British banding movement through its instrument production, Steve captures the atmosphere and tension of the day as it unfolds.

Enjoy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p3_kU3djZU

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    


British Open

4BR British Open podcast

September 6 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

September 6 • The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.


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


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd