*
banner

Remember, Remember for Friary...

Once again Friary Brass lead the revellers in remembering the Gunpowder Plot and its grisly local connections.

Friary
  Frairy take part each year (image from 2024)

Friary Brass was joined by fireworks, effigies and tableaux, as they marched through the streets of Lewes in East Sussex entertaining thousands of spectators at the town's historic Bonfire Night celebrations.

80,000

Believed to be the largest event of its kind in the UK, it commemorates the 1605 November 5th 'Gunpowder Plot', as well as the 17 Protestant martyrs of the town who were burnt at the stake during religious persecutions in the reign of Queen Mary.

Each is commemorated by a cross of fire carried in the procession which attracts between 25 and 30 local and national bonfire societies and up to 80,000 attendees.

Dusk till midnight

The band played various sets from dusk till after midnight surrounded by the revellers. A particular favourite was 'Sussex by the Sea', said to have been inspired by the poem 'Sussex' by Rudyard Kipling, and adopted as the unofficial anthem of the county and also of nearby Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

Looking back on a memorable night, Friary Brass Chairperson, David Wicks said: "What an unbelievable experience with the noise of firecrackers everywhere and the costumes all adding to the atmosphere.

It's definitely one of our most memorable and unusual gigs and we're thrilled to be part of such a historic occasion."

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    


Besson

4BR Christmas Quiz

December 26 • How good is your brass band knowledge? Good enough to win a cornet and goodies for a young player?


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

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


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

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


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd