*
banner

Besses Boys to bee a hive of 75th celebration this weekend

A new work by composer Andrea Price will form the musical centrepiece of the 75th anniversary celebrations of Besses Boys Band this weekend.

Besses
  Besses Boys Band has a rich and proud 75 year history

Besses Boys Band officially turned 75 this week, and has been busy with a range of events marking the historic year.

At the beginning of the month, the band shared the concert stage with Brighouse & Rastrick and has now revealed further highlights of this weekend's diamond anniversary celebrations.
A new work has been commissioned for their special anniversary from composer Andrea Price, entitled, 'The Bee Hive'.

Special piece

MD James Holt told 4BR: "We're delighted Andrea could compose this special piece. She is a fine talent and we are privileged to be able to perform her work as part of our celebrations. It's particularly significant as Andrea is also an alumni of the band."

Andrea joins a long list of prestigious composers who have written works for the band, such as Roy Newsome, and told 4BR: "As a Manchester based band, the bee is a significant symbol.

The hive contains three types of bee — linking in the abbreviation 'BBB' to Besses Boys' Band. It is also a nod to the band's heritage and connection to Whitefield and Prestwich."

The hive contains three types of bee — linking in the abbreviation 'BBB' to Besses Boys Band. It is also a nod to the band's heritage and connection to Whitefield and PrestwichAndrea Price

National champions

In the 1940s and 1950s, the band enjoyed great success at the National Youth Championship (winning in 1945/46/47 and again in 1949 and 1950). After a victory the band would travel back from Belle Vue to Whitefield.

There crowds would meet them, where the celebrations would finish with them marching through the town past 'The Bee Hive Inn', to Besses Mission where they were rewarded with pie served to them.

The hive contains three types of bee — linking in the abbreviation 'BBB' to Besses Boys Band. It is also a nod to the band's heritage and connection to Whitefield and PrestwichAndrea Price

Gala concert

A special 75th Anniversary Gala concert is being held on Saturday 13th October, where BBC presenter David Guest will be comparing the anniversary event, with a reunion band of 50 players expected to finish off the evening's entertainment.

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    


Bolton Crown Court

Brass band conductor sentenced for abuse of position of trust

July 2 • Sam Olsson is sentenced at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 18 by a person in a position of trust.


tIPS

BBE announces partnership with donations platform

July 2 • Brass Band England member bands can benefit from an easy way to gain cashless donations.


Mead in Japan

No fatigue for touring Mead

July 2 • Steven Mead has just return from tours of Japan and Australia with China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to come.


Wainstone Cup

Sextet after big money at Dr Martin contest

July 2 • Six bands will look to claim a large slice of prize money at the Dr Martin Wainstone Cup contest this weekend in Yarm.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd