*
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    


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Gala Theatre

Durham focus for North of England Area contenders

March 19 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and York later in the year.


Stevanage

Bands get ready for London & SC Area challenges

March 19 • Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre will host 76 bands battling for National Finals qualification this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd