*
banner

Potters Bar to help Fabio and the lads

The Potters Bar Band has teamed up with Charlie Chaplin and a German zeppelin to help Fabio Capello bring the World Cup back to Blighty. Honest.

 

England’s chances of winning the World Cup in South Africa will be given a massive musical boost this year, thanks to inspiration from the most unlikely of sources.

Over the moon

If things go to plan as English supporters hope, then Charlie Chaplin, a First World War zeppelin and the Potters Bar Band will play their part in ensuring Fabio Capello and the lads will be over the moon and not as sick as a parrot — all thanks to a brilliant World Cup winning song.

Blighty

The song, called 'Bring it back to Blighty', started life as a community project, whose inspiration harks back to the trenches of the First World War.

Even though there is a fun element to it all, the backstory is fascinating and very poignant. The story behind the film is a real connection to Potter’s BarStuart Fearn

Facinating story

Stuart Fearn, one of the driving forces behind it all told 4BR the fascinating story.

"The idea came about after we saw a documentary on a rare Charlie Chaplin film that was recently discovered – believed to be one of the rarest pieces of film in the world.

"The silent movie shows a title card from 1916 that would have instructed the local cinema pianist to play the song, 'Take me back to dear old Blighty', whilst also making reference to a German zeppelin that was shot down in Potters Bar."

Bizarre

The rather bizarre connections to the local town gave Stuart and friends the idea to explore the story further, and after gaining permission from EMI recordings, who owned the rights to the old song, they set it to music with a signing group and asked the band to join in.

Spectacular success

The result has been a spectacular success, with Talksport radio taking a real interest in trying to promote it as the unofficial World Cup song for Fabio and the lads in South Africa.

Stuart added: "Even though there is a fun element to it all, the backstory is fascinating and very poignant. The story behind the film is a real connection to Potter’s Bar."

See and hear the song

http://www.bringitbacktoblighty.co.uk/video.html

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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 11

November 23 • Catch up with the latest 4BR Review with 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas


Swiss Nationals

Swiss set to celebrate 50th contest anniversary

November 23 • The Swiss National Championships will reach a significant milestone this year in Lucerne with new works set to test the 60 competing bands.


sewbba

Results: 2025 SEWBBA Tonyrefail Festival

November 23 • There was a welcome return of contesting action in South Wales as bands took to the stage in Tonyrefail.


Perth

Result: 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge

November 22 • Unite Scotland Kinneil claims victory in Perth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


wantage silver band

November 23 • Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall.


Tintwistle Band

November 21 • Tintwistle Band are looking for an Eb bass player to join our engine room and help to complete the team.. We are currently in the second section, enjoy all year round concert and contest engagements, and also the odd social event.


Harrogate Band

November 20 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a Euphonium to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd