*
banner

Besses set to celebrate double century

One of the most evocative names in the banding world will celebrate its 200th birthday later this month...

Besses
  200 years of incredible Besses history will be celebrated

One of the truly historic names in brass band history — Besses o' th' Barn from Whitefield in Bury, celebrates an incredible 200 years of music making on Saturday 27th October with a gala reunion concert.

The current band will be joined by a 'second' band of former players stretching back to the periods when Frank Bryce, Ifor James and Roy Newsome wielded the baton with one of the most evocative names in the banding world.

The concert will be directed by the current MD, Trevor Halliwell, whose own connection with Besses goes back nearly 30 years.

History

With the possible exception of Black Dyke, no other band in the world has a history to match Besses; one that has included two Edwardian world tours, championship successes and remarkable artistic associations with the likes of Ifor James.

The concert programme will celebrate 200 years of achievement with arrangements by former conductors Alex Owen, Frank Bryce, Roy Newsome and Paul Hindmarsh, with the current band showcasing its talents with a performance of Kenneth Downie's 'Purcell Variations'.

It is remarkable landmark and the concert will celebrate it fully — opening with William Rimmer's transcription of Mozart's 'Magic Flute' overturePaul Hindmarsh

Remarkable landmark

Paul Hindmarsh, who has his own association with the band that stretches back 60 years, will be proudly presenting the concert — and he told 4BR: "It is remarkable landmark and the concert will celebrate it fully — opening with William Rimmer's transcription of Mozart's 'Magic Flute' overture, which was composed only a generation after Mr. Clegg started his reed band in his cotton mill in Whitefield.

Of all the items in the programme, the one I'm looking forward to most is 'Labour and Love', the first 'original' National Final test-piece and historically one of the most important works of music in brass band history.

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


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


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd