*
banner

Grimey add twist to Blessed National Anthem

The unofficial Yorkshire National Anthem will certainly be heard loud and clear from now on — thanks to Grimethorpe Colliery Band and the great Brian Blessed.

Grimethorpe
 

Grimethorpe Colliery Band has teamed up with X Factor talent developer Eliot Kennedy and actor Brian Blessed to produce a 21st century makeover of the classic Yorkshire anthem 'On Ilkley Moor baht ‘at.'

New appeal

After many months of negotiation the Yorkshire Tourist Authority wanted to give the world famous tune new appeal to the younger generation, and following extensive media coverage they made sure Grimethorpe Colliery Band was in on the act.

Chief Executive, Gary Verity told 4BR: "The tune has long been considered Yorkshire's national anthem, so we couldn't resist giving it a modern twist with Grimethorpe's help."

We are delighted to play our part in revitalising a great musical Yorkshire icon. When we were asked we jumped at the chanceGareth Crane

Jumped

Grimethorpe's Gareth Crane added: "We are delighted to play our part in revitalising a great musical Yorkshire icon. When we were asked we jumped at the chance. We understand Brian will be rapping on the new version, so that should create something of a stir. His voice can nearly drown out the band!"

The song is expected to be released this summer with a short film shot on Ilkley Moor.

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    


Rochdale contest

Results: 2026 Rochdale Contest

October 25 • Own choice victories for Unite the Union, Dobcross Silver, Littleborough Brass and St. John's (Mossley) as Kidlington book their Spring Festival place.


udi

Report & Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd