*
banner

Norwegian plankers...

There is a new brass phenomenon heading our way — thanks to some plankers in Norway...

planking
 

It seems that a new craze is sweeping the orchestral world – and it could only be a matter of time before it’s seen on a brass band concert stage in the UK.

Planking

'Planking' – the spontaneous decision of people to lie face down, head first against each other is catching on – as the picture opposite from a recent concert by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Bergen shows.

The trumpet section, which comprises Gary Peterson, Martin Winter, Allan Withington and Jon Benhcke decided to leave their seats just before the start of Prokofiev's ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for their display of ‘planking’.

The ‘game’ phenomenon, which originated in Australia, sees participants take the decision to lie in an unusual or incongruous location and then to be photographed4BR

Phenomenon

The ‘game’ phenomenon, which originated in Australia, sees participants take the decision to lie in an unusual or incongruous location and then to be photographed. The location should also be as public as possible, and as many people as possible should be involved.

Amusement

On this occasion the player’s plonked their trumpets on their seats, walked to the front of the Grieg Hall stage and proceeded to indulge in their ‘planking’, much to the amusement of the packed audience.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "As befits the Norwegians, we believe it to be the first classical bit of planking ever performed."

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    


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


Derwent Brass

Results: 2026 Wychavon Festival of Brass

November 1 • Derwent Brass leads the entertainment prize winners in Evesham, with section titles for Fulham Brass, Staines Brass, Avonbank (Evesham) and Arrow Valley Brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


Regent Brass

October 30 • Regent Brass (MD Alan Duguid) have a vacancy for Bass Trombone.. We are a friendly and progressive championship section band regularly promoting new music and actively pursues a varied performance schedule. .


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd