*
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    


Spring Festival

Spring Festival feedback welcomed by Mortimers

May 5 • If you have constructive feedback to offer on the recent Spring Festival weekend, then the organisers welcome your responses.


podcast

4BR Review podcast — European and Spring Festival focus

May 5 • Plenty of issues to discuss on the live podcast this Wednesday at 7.00pm — and you can have your say.


jOHN gILLAM

Death of John Gillam

May 4 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected player and administrator.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Grand Shield

May 3 • Milnrow claims the Grand Shield honours to return to the British Open with Hepworth joining them.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Chinnor Silver

May 5 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (11th) at 11am and welcome players of all abilities.. Come and enjoy a relaxed rehearsal mixed genres of music with some very friendly folks with tea and cake. It does not impact your own band and its free


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

May 3 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. . We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

May 3 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher.. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd