*
banner

European Countdown — 6 days to go

More weird and wonderful things to ponder over, as we countdown to the big event.

EBBA
 

You’ve had the Belgian’s, the Scots and the Welsh, now its time to find out more about those lovers of peace and numbered bank accounts… the Swiss.

The Swiss

1. Switzerland legalized the use of marijuana in 2002, but sales are still not legal.

2. The Swiss Guard have been famously fierce mercenaries from the 15th to 19th centuries, but now only 100 are left, serving just the Pope & Vatican City.

3. Switzerland stayed neutral in both world wars, yet today every fit man serves in the army and stays in the reserves, and every household contains a bomb shelter and gun.

There is a public toilet in Switzerland made of one way glass. From the outside it is totally mirrored, yet inside you can look out 360 degrees and see everyone whilst you are having a pee!4BR

4. Swiss commas are decimal points, and vice versa: €1,50 is one and a half euros, and an American mile contains 5.280 feet.

5. It's against the law to slam your car door in Switzerland

6. There is a public toilet in Switzerland made of one way glass. From the outside it is totally mirrored, yet inside you can look out 360 degrees and see everyone whilst you are having a pee!

7. In March 2007, 170 Swiss soldiers mistakenly invaded neighbouring Liechtenstein during a routine training exercise. The infantry soldiers wandered 2 kilometers across an unmarked border into the tiny principality.

A spokesman for the Swiss army confirmed the story, but said that there were unlikely to be any serious repercussions for the mistaken invasion.

Liechtenstein’s Interior Ministry said nobody in had even noticed the soldiers, who were carrying assault rifles but no ammunition. "It's not like they stormed over here with attack helicopters or something," he said.

8. Famous Swiss inventions include Velcro, Cellophane and the Swiss Army Knife, although the cuckoo clock was actually invented in the Black Forest of Germany and the Swiss Roll originates from the UK.

The Swiss Roll is not widely eaten in Switzerland, where they are called Biscuitrolle, Roulade or gâteau roulé. The wristwatch was invented by Patek Philippe in 1868.

9. Switzerland has the 2nd highest life expectancy in Europe (after Sweden).

10. About 20% of the people living in Switzerland are foreigners.

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    


BrassLT

Report & Result: 2026 Lithuanian Wind Orchestra Championship

April 21 • LT Brass warms up for Linz with domestic honours at wind festival championship.


bbc pROMS

Black Dyke Band to perform at BBC Proms

April 21 • The Queensbury band to be joined by guest soloist David Childs for a 'Brass Prom' performance showcasing their virtuosity and versatility.


John Wallace CBE

Wallace to be remembered as a Force of Nature

April 21 • Tullis Russell Band will pay a lasting tribute to the late great John Wallace CBE with the commissioning of a brand new work from the pen of Paul Lovatt-Cooper.


gbba

Full day of brass band entertainment on offer in Lydney

April 21 • The popular GBBA Festival of Brass returns with a packed day of brass band entertainment in heart of the Forest of Dean.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Longridge Band

April 21 • Longridge Band (North West, First Section) invite applications for the position of PRINCIPAL CORNET. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd