*
banner

Pillowell's heavy steam celebration

Pillowell Silver Band has helped Radio Gloucester celebrate its 30th birthday in style...

Steam
  The band played along to the sound of steam

It was full steam ahead for members of Pillowell Silver Band recently after they featured in a special video to celebrate BBC Radio Gloucestershire's 30th birthday.

They were part of a cast of 100 people from across the county used by film-makers from the University of Gloucester to recreate the pop song that was number 1 in the charts on the day it went on air in 1988 — 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother'.

Also featured were some of the county's well-known personalities, such as the Olympic ski-jumper Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards, and was shot at various iconic locations across Gloucestershire, with Pillowell filmed on-board the famous Dean Forest Railway.

Privilege

As well as making their film debut, Pillowell has been preparing a number of contests and Christmas concerts, but as MD Ian Whitburn told 4BR: "It was a real privilege to be involved in such a lovely birthday project — one that not just celebrated the radio station but featured the colour and heritage of the county.

Brass bands are at the heart of the Forest of Dean, so it was fitting one was involved.

It was a real privilege to be involved in such a lovely birthday project — one that not just celebrated the radio station but featured the colour and heritage of the countyPillowell Silver

Enjoy

You can enjoy the video film at:

or https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06pv81t?fbclid=IwAR01-NvTX-RtbgTagugTJnTsWIL57IuT1Ms0hWXiUd1GDZqdc8tJejfTewY

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    


Syndey

Results: 2025 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships

April 20 • Sydney City becomes the inaugural Premier Championships of Australia as senior National titles head to Footscray-Yarraville City, Cairns Brass No. 1, Wonthaggi Citizensand City of Ballarat Municipal Brass.


Wobplay

Wobplay offers global opportunities at Euros

April 19 • There will be plenty of advertising opportunities for businesses as part of the comprehensive weekend of live-broadcast action from the European Championships in Stavanger.


Russell Gray

Gray to host double conducting seminars

April 19 • Aspiring conductors can enjoy the opportunity to work alongside Russell Gray in Scotland and Norway next month as he hosts his Conducting Seminars in Bathgate and Askoy.


Siusa

Jena pride at Sousa inclusion

April 19 • Jose Sousa will become the fifth young player from the Jena Brass Band Centre in Germany to represent the nation as part of the European Youth Brass Band.


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


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


wantage silver band

April 18 • Wantage Concert Brass have a Bb BASS vacancy - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


wantage silver band

April 18 • Wantage Concert Brass have a vacancy in their TROMBONE section - the perfect opportunity to join their band! The band compete in the FIRST SECTION and have a sensible schedule of engagements, concerts and contests throughout the year.


wantage silver band

April 18 • Wantage Band (championship section) are looking for a PERCUSSIONIST to join them from Sep 25. The band perform in concerts across the region and a number of contests each year. This is a brilliant opportunity to work with Musical Director Chris King.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd