*
banner

Political correctness gone mad...

Brass bands are too noisy it seems in Weston — playing in a open air park...

 

In what seems yet another case of political correctness gone mad, the Weston Mercury newspaper recently reported that North Somerset Council has ruled that music events will only be allowed to take place at the popular Grove Park in Weston every fortnight, instead of weekly, following complaints about noise.

Perform

The venue attracts crowds of up to 500 people during the summer to listen to many brass bands perform for two hours on a Sunday afternoon.

John Horler, owner of the local Grove Park café, has been paying for the bands to play since North Somerset Council said it could no longer afford to fund the events.

The bands concerts are part of our heritage and the music is enjoyed by many hundreds of people throughout the summer but once again in this nanny state the minority have wonJohn Horler

Nanny state

He said: "The bands concerts in the park are part of our heritage and the music is enjoyed by many hundreds of people throughout the summer but once again in this nanny state the minority have won."

Colin Rossiter, Weston Brass secretary, told the local Mercury newspaper: "I think it is an absolute disgrace. The bandstand has been there for over 100 years and playing on a Sunday afternoon is a tradition."

Nuisance

A spokesman for the council said its environmental team carried out an investigation last summer following seven complaints and it was agreed that the noise was 'sufficient to be described as a nuisance'.

For further information about this story, go to:
www.thewestonmercury.co.uk

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    


lbrrt

Result: 2026 National Championship of Great Britain

October 3 • Cory returns on the road to victory as Philip Harper's band reclaims National title honours.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Nobody Does It Better - The Music of James Bond.

Saturday 3 October • St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Rugby CV21 3PT


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Kibworth Band

October 3 • Kibworth Band seeks a Musical Director to lead our rebuilding and drive musical progress. Based in South Leicestershire, we rehearse Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm. We compete in the Championship Section, moving to First Section from January 2027.


Epping Forest Band

October 2 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd