*
banner

Black Dyke history in demand

David Hirst's history of the famous Queensbury band in the Victorian era has found worldwide Pondasher appeal.

Black Dyke
  David Hirst has looked closely at the band's history during the Victorian era

There has been worldwide demand for David Hirst's Victorian history of Black Dyke Band, which has sold well over half its initial print run in the first three weeks since its publication.

Victorian era

'The Celebrated Black Dyke Mills Band' covers the period from its embryonic beginnings as an early brass and reed ensemble in Queensbury through to the turn of the 20th century.

The mix of clear narrative and detailed research in to the band, its personalities as well as musical excellence has also gained widespread critical acclaim.

Research

David told 4BR: "I'm delighted that the book has been received with so much enthusiasm and glad that this period of brass band history, and particularly the role of Black Dyke Band has been added to the increasing list of brass band research".

David has already planned his next book which focusses on the famous contests held at Belle Vue in Manchester.

Review and purchase:

4BR's review of the book can be read at:
https://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/general/lit039.asp

'The Celebrated Black Dyke Mills Band — The Victorian Years' is available from Kirklees Music at: www.kirkleesmusic.co.uk and is priced at £11.99 plus post & packing.

Also direct from Black Dyke Band at: https://www.blackdykeband.co.uk/shop/shop/merchandise/the-celebrated-black-dyke-mills-band-the-victorian-years-david-hirst/

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    


Tameside

Tameside ready to welcome Whit Friday visitors

May 28 • Tameside will offer a warm welcome to competitors and visitors alike for their Whit Friday contests.


wHIT fRIDAY

Saddleworth set for Whit Friday

May 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick defend their title on what promises to be a packed day of great march entertainment in the sun.


tRANSCEND

National Youth Orchestra set to transcend with summer concerts

May 28 • Thomas Ades will lead the National Youth Orchestra this summer with an intoxicating world of sound, energy, transformation — and free tickets for teenagers.


Brabbins

Brabbins takes quartet chair at Royal College of Music

May 28 • Martyn Brabbins is to become Personal Chair in Conducting at the Royal College of Music.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

May 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on Monday(1st) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to come along and join us in a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.. What is not to like = wont effect your no1 band ,its free and with coffee and cake


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our MD, Martyn Beecham.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd