*
banner

Wrestling and brass bands...a lesson from history

Just in case Hulk Hogan says he wants to get involved in brass band contest promoting...

Wrestlers
  Be careful who you tag up with in contest promoting...

The 4BR editor has been spending his summer trawling through old newspaper records to find out more about the banding world of 100 years ago, and happened to come across this wonderful story from May 1877.

It rather suggests that brass band contest organisers should be careful who they link up with to promote an event.

1877 report

It comes from a report headlined: 'Extraordinary Scenes at a Brass Band Contest'.

"An extraordinary scone of rowdyism was witnessed on Monday at the Irish Champion Athletic Club Grounds, Lansdowne road, Dublin.

Wrestling matches and a contest between bands had been announced, and there was a large attendance.

The rough element, as at all wrestling contests, greatly preponderated, and very soon after the proceedings began, fighting became general. The roughs were soon largely reinforced by crowds from outside, who gained admission, without payment, by scaling the barriers.

Eventually a raid was made on the refreshment tent, and sandwiches were carried away in armfuls, while everyone helped himself to as much liquor us he pleased.

Singularly enough the tent soon became unsteady, and began swaying to and fro as if it were falling; and this ultimately proved to be the case, for some mischievous persons having slipped the rope of the awning and its supports came down about the heads of the inmates, who by this time, however, consisted only of the waiters, the roughs having made their escape the moment the poles became unsteady.

The waiters were with some trouble rescued unhurt. A series of desperate fights all over the ground ensued, the combatants being maddened with drink.

The several bands had meantime been playing lustily on against the other, and only left off when they were thoroughly tired out. The respectable portion of the spectators of course left the ground as soon as possible, and gradually the roughs became tired and went away, until their number were so reduced that it was practicable to run them out.

The decision in the competition by the bands was postponed."

Those were the days eh…?

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    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd