*
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    


British Open

British Open live-stream

August 24 • The 2026 British Open Championship will be live-streamed around the banding globe — so make sure you don't miss a note of the action.


Jeju

Result: 2026 Jeju International Brass & Percussion Competition

August 24 • French euphonium player Tewinn Spiess claims the bi-annual Jeju International Euphonium title.


New South Wales

Results: 2026 New South Wales State Championships

August 24 • Willoughby City Band regains the State title with section wins for Warringah Concert Brass, Newcastle PCYC Band, Waratah Brass Academy, Willoughby Youth Brass and Warringah Youth Brass.


NYBBGB

National Youth ambassadors find new audience in lost oasis

August 24 • The 40 strong Ambassador Band of the NYBBGB entertained the crowds in a lost oasis in the heart of London.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd