*
banner

Friary ensures audience enjoys musical brew

Friary Brass reconnected with its brewery origins to provide some early seasonal entertainment in Surrey.

Friary
  The band was conducted by MD Nigel Taken

National Finalist Friary Brass returned to its brewing roots recently with a concert performance at the Hog's Back Brewery in Surrey.

The band was originally named after the now defunct Friary Meux Brewers in Guildford which could trace its history back to 1764.

And whilst the Hog's Back Brewery only started its business in 1992, it has already gained a firm following amongst drinkers of its brands such as Surrey Nirvana and Hazy Hog Cider.

Lubrication

Locals were in fine voice (thanks to lubrication) for the carols and other seasonal music, culminating in the rather unholy but fun rendition of the Queen classic 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

Band Chairperson David Wicks was delighted with the audience reception and the return to the band's popular roots: "There's always an enthusiastic response to the Band at Hog's Back, but this was the best yet.

We're definitely in the mood for Christmas now and forward to our family Christmas concert at Chertsey Hall next Saturday afternoon."

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    


Yasuaki Fukuhara

Memorable RNCM Festival exceeds ambitions

January 26 • A weekend packed with memorable performances and highlights showcases the best of brass band music making to the world in Manchester.


No European Championship in England in 2028

January 24 • A difficult funding landscape sees BBE withdraw from hosting the European Championship in Birmingham in 2028


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band invites applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band rehearse every Thursday evening from 1930 - 2130 . The Musical Director will take a leadership role working with the senior band and will liaise with the training ban


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd