*
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    


Five Lakes

Results: 2026 North American National Championships

April 13 • Five Lakes Silver reclaims the National honours with section awards to Georgia, Cherry Blossom, Fountain City United, Watson Brass, Triangle Youth and St Louis Youth in Fort Wayne.


ConsTest

Report & Result: 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open

April 11 • Derwent Brass claim the honours in the heart of Birmingham with a show of future ambition.


New Zealand

Report & Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Hathern Band

April 13 • Euphonium required - position negotiable. . Hathern Band has an immediate vacancy for a Euphonium player to complete their First Section line-up. We rehearse from 7.15 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday & Sunday evenings..


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd