*
banner

Hyde and seek for Snowdown Colliery

Snowdown Colliery Band seeks to lead a revival of brass band concerts at one of London's most famous bandstands in Hyde Park.

Hyde Park
  The famous Hyde Park bandstand will host Snowdown Band this August

Snowdown Colliery Welfare Band from Kent hopes to play their part in reviving further interest in brass band concerts at one of London's most famous bandstands when they perform at the recently refurbished Hyde Park Bandstand later this year.

Their invitation came from Laura Plumptre, one of the leading supporters of the Friends of Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens, who have been trying to bring back the sound of brass bands on a regular basis to a venue that was once one of the most sought after in the country.

Doodlebugs

Originally built in 1869, it stood in Kensington Gardens before being moved to Hyde Park in 1886, where its octagonal roof was renowned for giving particularly good acoustics for an open air venue.

In the heyday of summer brass band tour engagements the likes of Foden's would perform twice a day to large crowds — even during the Second World War, although according to Harry Mortimer, he recalled being more worried about the sound of V1 doodlebug V1 rockets than any misplaced entries!

The bandstand also played host to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers in their 1935 film 'Top Hat', although during the last 25 years or so brass band concerts declined due to cuts in the parks entertainment and performance budgets.

They are hoping to bring back brass bands on a regular basis and it's a fantastic venue, just a stone's throw from the Royal Albert HallSnowdown Colliery Band MD, Andy Collins

Great honour

Now, Snowdown Colliery Band MD, Andy Collins hopes that the trend will be reversed. "The invitation came out of the blue,"he said. "Laura Plumptre lives locally to us and is a great supporter of the arts, so to get a personal invitation through her was a great honour.

They are hoping to bring back brass bands on a regular basis and it's a fantastic venue, just a stone's throw from the Royal Albert Hall."

Others to follow

He added: "Hopefully the weather will be fine on Sunday August 12th and we can attract a big audience. We are all looking forward to a great experience and to hopefully lead the way for others to follow."

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


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


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band are looking for a positive and dynamic leader who can further develop our players skills & aid us in our aspirations of reaching the 1st section.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd