*
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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd