*
banner

The Besses gift to the world

From the Stone Roses and Bee Gees to Besses o' th' Barn — the Manchester musical gift to the world according to the BBC...

Besses
 

There has been a continued renaissance in both the contesting and media fortunes of Besses o' th' Barn Band recently.

In addition to their victory at the Buxton Contest, the band even gained a name check on BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine Show, who called them 'one of the great musical gifts to the world'.

Manchester feature

It came during a feature on the government's plans to make Manchester one of the 'powers of the north' — and why the city was according to presenter Alison Butterworth was a great place to live and work.

Alison reeled off the list of musical 'greats' — which included the Stone Roses; the Hollies; the Bee Gees; the Smiths and Besses o' th' Barn Band4BR

Musical greats

Alison reeled off the list of musical 'greats'- which included the Stone Roses; the Hollies; the Bee Gees; the Smiths and Besses o' th' Barn Band.

Not bad company to keep in anyone's book.

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    


Gold

Goldscheider and RNCM shortlisted for RPS Awards

January 30 • Ben Goldscheider and the RNCM join Katrina Marzella-Wheeler in being shortlisted for Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.


Force of Nature

Gramercy Music: Force of Nature (Peter Graham)

January 30 • Euphonium players can now tackle the Ernest Hemingway inspired euphonium concerto with band or piano accompaniment.


rOYAL cOLLEGE OF mUSIC

Prague reprised at Royal College of Music

January 30 • Judith Bingham's evocative work forms part of the programme to be featured by the Royal College of Music Brass Band in London this evening.


Side Action

Slide Action CD nominated for two BBC Music Magazine Awards

January 30 • The 4BR award winning 'RE-BUILD' release from the Slide Action trombone quartet could be in line for yet more high profile accolades.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Friday 31 January • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 7 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

January 30 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists) needs a FLUGEL for the Regional contest on 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our MD Stephen Bucknell.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

January 29 • Assistance Principal cornet who is willing to take on solos and lead the band if our principal cornet is away.. We are preparing for a concert with Carlton Main and other concerts in the dales


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

January 29 • Second cornet - Additional back row cornets are needed to strengthen the section. We are working on a new programme for joint concert with Carlton Main Band and other events across the region.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd