*
banner

European integration comes to Gillingham

The biennial visit of Hille Band from Germany made for a great weekend of music making and friendship with hosts Gillingham Imperial Silver Band.

Hille Band
 

Gillingham Imperial Silver Band recently hosted friends old and new from their twin band Musikzug Viktoria Hille in Germany.

It was the latest in a series of biennial exchanges running since 1983, and this year Gillingham hosted the Hille Band for a long weekend of music making, drinking and good company.

Welcome party

It all kicked off with a welcome party — accompanied by a steady flow of 'Moorbrand' — the fiery German liquor local to the Hille area, before the players assembled the next day (with a few sore heads) for a rehearsal ahead of the evening's concert which was played out to a packed audience at Gillingham High School.

Entertainment was the name of the game, with Gillingham performing solo items such as 'Live and Let Die' and 'Children of Sanchez' and Hille delivering a great rendition of 'Yackety Sax'. The finale was a rousing rendition of 'Hootenanny'.

Pizza time

The next day saw an to Cheddar Gorge and Wells in Somerset, before a great 'build your own pizza' night, whilst the music making continued on the Bank Holiday Monday with both bands performing to record crowds at Sherborne Castle Country Fair.

National pride was at stake with a dragon boat race on the castle lake, with Hille Band winning hands down ahead of local friendly rivals Sherborne Town and Gillingham a close third!

National pride was at stake with a dragon boat race on the castle lake, with Hille Band winning hands down ahead of local friendly rivals Sherborne Town and Gillingham a close third!4BR

Ska band

With hardly time to draw breath, the leaving party was held at the Coppleridge Inn in Motcombe where 120 band members, family friends and supporters gathered for a meal and a party late into the night to the sounds of a local ska band.

Thanks

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Gillingham Band would like to offer sincere thanks to all the host families, guest players, organisers and sponsors who made the weekend possible, and also to the Hille Band for their great company and for the invitation to visit Hille in 2017."

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd