*
banner

Rain, rain, rain...

It never rains but it pours for the Otley band it seems!

 

Over the last two years, outdoor events have been a great way of predicting rain for Otley Brass Band it seems.

This weekend, they were out for an outdoor Proms concert at How Stean Gorge and the day can only be described as exciting.

How Stean is a very picturesque spot up in Nidderdale in the Yorkshire Dales but the roads leading there are quire narrow and run alongside the River Nidd.

Pouring

When the band arrived, the rain was pouring and they were delighted to see that a tent had been set up for them to play in, but as the rain eased off to become merely torrential, it became clear there was a small stream running through the tent from the basses, under the horns and over the feet of the MD.

The concert was very successful and well received, and in light of the continuing downpour, the selection of music was very appropriate including “Beyond the Sea” and “The Dambusters March”Otley Band

Salvage

To salvage the concert the band were moved into the other end of the tent set up for the audience and set about turning North Yorkshire’s version of the Glastonbury festival field from a mud bath into a stage.

Success

The concert was very successful and well received, and in light of the continuing downpour, the selection of music was very appropriate including “Beyond the Sea” and “The Dambusters March”.

It was perhaps a good thing they decided not to play the “Fantasia on British Sea Songs”. Perhaps a few verses of 'Nearer My God To Thee' would have suited the occasion better!

The band still managed to salvage a pleasant afternoon for an appreciative audience and the sight of waved umbrellas instead of union jack flags in Land of Hope and Glory was a novelty!

Rounded off

Peter Scott told 4BR that it didn't end there: "How do you round this all off? Simple, as the concert ended, the organiser arrived to point out that there was little point leaving and trying to go the normal route back to Otley as the River Nidd had burst its banks and the road was closed."

40 mile detour

This led to some band members making a 40 mile detour to get home, while others simply waited for the waters to fall and relied on the help of the local Fire Brigade to get through the floods.

The band are earnestly hoping for better weather next week at the Hardraw Contest!

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd