A fascinating insight into the brass band world of the late 1960s can now be enjoyed through the BBC Archives.
Omnibus programme
The Omnibus arts programme, 'Top Brass' follows Black Dyke Mills, GUS (Footwear) and Woodfalls as they prepare for their appearance at the 1967 National Final at the Royal Albert Hall.
Originally broadcast on 23rd January 1968 on BBC 2 , it not only features the bands in performance on stage , but also interviews with conductors Geoffrey Brand, Stanley Boddington and Courtney Bosanko, players such as John Berryman, James Shepherd, personalities such Edwin Vaughan Morris bands sponsors and family members.
Chaotic scenes
There is also a glimpse of the draw, the judges (the box placed on the first tier of the hall behind the solo cornets — not in the middle of the hall), the results, and the rather chaotic scenes as Black Dyke Mills players race to the stage to give their 'Lap of Honour' performance — led by a rather isolated John Clough.
