*
banner

Black Dyke history in demand

David Hirst's history of the famous Queensbury band in the Victorian era has found worldwide Pondasher appeal.

Black Dyke
  David Hirst has looked closely at the band's history during the Victorian era

There has been worldwide demand for David Hirst's Victorian history of Black Dyke Band, which has sold well over half its initial print run in the first three weeks since its publication.

Victorian era

'The Celebrated Black Dyke Mills Band' covers the period from its embryonic beginnings as an early brass and reed ensemble in Queensbury through to the turn of the 20th century.

The mix of clear narrative and detailed research in to the band, its personalities as well as musical excellence has also gained widespread critical acclaim.

Research

David told 4BR: "I'm delighted that the book has been received with so much enthusiasm and glad that this period of brass band history, and particularly the role of Black Dyke Band has been added to the increasing list of brass band research".

David has already planned his next book which focusses on the famous contests held at Belle Vue in Manchester.

Review and purchase:

4BR's review of the book can be read at:
https://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/general/lit039.asp

'The Celebrated Black Dyke Mills Band — The Victorian Years' is available from Kirklees Music at: www.kirkleesmusic.co.uk and is priced at £11.99 plus post & packing.

Also direct from Black Dyke Band at: https://www.blackdykeband.co.uk/shop/shop/merchandise/the-celebrated-black-dyke-mills-band-the-victorian-years-david-hirst/

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 ticket sale date announced

May 22 • The general sale of tickets for the 172nd British Open Championships will open on Friday 29th May.


NYBBGB

New Horizons repeat for NYBBGB on You Tube

May 22 • The concert given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain featuring the world premiere of 'Victoria Wood: A Laugh Less Ordinary' is now available to enjoy on You Tube.


Wantage

One out of three for Wantage

May 22 • The Welsh Open champion is enjoying the challenge of reaching out to new audiences.


Pershore

Full day of brass entertainment at Pershore

May 22 • The Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival takes place on July 4th.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • 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 Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • 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 SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Silk Brass

May 21 • Musical Director. Silk Brass are looking to recruit a suitably experienced person to take on this challenging and exciting position.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd