*
banner

Snapshot Besses history gains Radio 3 spotlight

Radio 3 does a little bit of time travelling to give listeners a snapshot of the rich history of Besses o' th' Barn Band

Besses
  Besses were at their contesting peak in 1892

The rich history of the brass band movement recently enjoyed a moment in the media spotlight with an excellent mini-feature about Besses o' the' Barn Band on the Radio 3 'Essential Classics' programme.

Time traveller

It was presented by Kate Romano as the 'musical time traveller' who looked through the historical lens of Joseph Hampson's famous 1892 book about the north west band situated between Manchester and Bury which had just won the British Open title under Alexander Owen.

One of the oldest brass bands in the world, at the time of the publication they were perhaps at the very peak of their contesting powers4BR

Contesting peak

One of the oldest brass bands in the world, at the time of the publication they were perhaps at the very peak of their contesting powers.

Click on the link below for Radio 3 today Essential Classics and go to 1.09 into the programme.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000d81m

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    


pRINCIPALS

Principals in place for National Youth Band

August 4 • The principal players have been placed in their leadership roles on the current National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course.


Fulham Brass

Fulham look towards York

August 4 • Fulham Band has been working with David Barringer and a host of tutors to prepare them for their York National Final appearance.


Jake Bartlett

Bartlett claims Mortimer Solo Award

August 4 • Tuba player Jake Bartlett has won the prestigious Harry Mortimer Solo Competition on this year's National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain course.


Fowles

Wessex success on emerald anniversary

August 4 • The 55th anniversary Wessex Band Summer School has been hailed as a fantastic week of music making.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


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


Wantage Silver Band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd