*
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    


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Meadeuphs

Euph and baritone prelude to RNCM Festival

January 22 • The RNCM Euphonium & Baritone Ensemble will provide the musical aperitif for the weekend of concert performances and discussions in Manchester.


Yorkshire Youth Band

Yorkshire Youth set for RNCM showcase

January 22 • The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band are ready to make a memorable mark at this weekend's RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


Score

Red Admiral announces launch of Access to Adjudication initiative

January 22 • A new approach to brass band adjudication training is being offered through the Red Admiral Music Academy


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


East of England Co-Op Band

January 21 • PRINCIPAL CORNET - East of England Coop Band. We are a friendly, motivated, and ambitious 1st Section brass band, who under our MD Mark Ager, are keen to progress into the Championship Section. We rehearse Monday evenings, 7:30-10pm in Ipswich


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has trombone seat vacancies. . Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has a horn seat vacancy.. Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd