*
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    


Manager Musikklag

World Rankings — April update

April 26 • There has been significant movement in the latest rankings release, driven by a large number of contests over the last few months resulting in notable shifts and changes in the standings


Fodens

Foden's to preview Euro challenge

April 26 • England's representatives in Stavanger will be giving their supporters a preview of their musical challenge.


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.


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.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd