*
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    


wobplay

Support boosts new Wobplay tenure

August 6 • Nicki Tonge and Adam Goldsmith grateful for the continued support of global subscribers as World of Sound, World of Brass and wobplay look towards future.


NYBBWales

Orbital gets Welsh Youth launch

August 6 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales will include Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in their ambitious summer course concerts repertoire.


UnIbRASS

Entries open for UniBrass Composition Competition

August 6 • The 2027 UniBrass Foundation's Composition Competition is now open — with an Oxford feel theme.


Blackford

Orbital set for publishing take-off

August 5 • The acclaimed major work from composer Richard Blackford will be available for bands to purchase from 4th September.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd