*
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    


Mike Kilroy

Kilroy steps back from BBE role to follow health treatment

September 7 • Mike Kilroy will take a temporary step down as Chairperson of Brass Bands England to undergo treatment for prostate cancer.


Music of the Spheres

Check out the Spheres before Symphony Hall

September 7 • The countdown to the British Open sees the competing bands previewing their final preparations on 'Music of the Spheres' — so why not pop along and see how they are getting on.


Money

British Open Countdown: T minus 5

September 7 • Glory and cash. One is priceless, the other pays the bills... but how much are they worth?


Murray Greig

Greig's to deliver in Leicester for free

September 7 • There is a free day of brass for young players to enjoy under the expert tuition of Murray Grieg this weekend — so make sure you sign up to enjoy.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd