*
banner

Besses Boys at the heart of Europe

A great concert tour by Besses Boys Band certainly took place right in the heart of Europe.

Besses Boys
  Besses Boys Band at Drielandenpunt — right in the heart of Europe

Besses Boys Band has just returned from a self-funded five-day European tour, visiting Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

The band performed three concerts, including one at Drielandenpunt; the point at which Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet. Concert programmes comprised a mix of traditional standards, solo items and music from stage and screen, all of which were well received by appreciative audiences.

Standing room only

The open-air concerts were well attended, with audience numbers swelled to standing room only once the sounds of the band drifted through the many local cafes and bars.

A representative of Luxembourg City Council made a presentation to MD James Holt, thanking him for '...entertaining the people of Luxembourg with your wonderful music'.

The tour itinerary interspersed concerts with opportunities to spend time exploring the cultural and social heritage of the local area, including a visit to Cologne Cathedral and boat trip along the Rhine.

Over the past few years we've run several successful tours and this was certainly one of the best, especially with the three fabulous concertsMD, James Holt

Great opportunity

James told 4BR: "Tours such as this are a great opportunity to spend time together both on and off the concert stage. Over the past few years we've run several successful tours and this was certainly one of the best, especially with the three fabulous concerts.

My thanks go to all band members and supporters for their part in making this tour such an enjoyable success."

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    


Trivergence

Trivergence set for Albert Hall appearance

August 8 • Trombone stars Peter Moore, Mark Nightingale and Andy Wood plus friends will provide the pre-results entertainment at the Royal Albert Hall National Final in October.


IBBSS

Barringer delight at IBBSS success

August 8 • A week of hard work, great music making and friendship in Swansea was a fitting celebration of the leading course's ethos.


Mark Vause

Vause takes baton at Pilling Silver

August 8 • Mark Vause is the new MD of Pilling Silver Band as he returns to the North West.


Smith

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

August 8 • The duo discuss the benefits of an infusion of classical music in the banding veins in rehearsals and concerts.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • 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

August 6 • 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.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd