*
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    


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


thecooperationband

Ramsay takes principal cooperation role

January 4 • Alex Ramsay has become the principal cornet of the cooperation band.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd