*
banner

Meet the world's worst band...

Follow the Saga of the North — a new cartoon strip especially drawn for 4barsrest by Nezzy.

Billy Baton
 

Billy Baton is the egotistical MD of the world's most unsuccessful brass band — Sludgedyke Silver. Follow his and the band's antics on their quest to win a competition.

Read episode 1 now and get yourself familiarised with the motley crew of talent that makes up Sludgedyke Silver.

www.4barsrest.com/nezzy/saga.asp

Sludgedyke is completely fictitious and all the characters are simply plucked out of thin air... if you believe that then you’ll believe anythingNezzy

Fictitious

Nezzy informs us that "Sludgedyke Silver Band (from ‘up North’) is completely fictitious and all the characters are simply plucked out of thin air... if you believe that then you’ll believe anything.

"The characters have facets of all the bands folk you have ever come across – ranging from the gifted; the not so gifted; the pre-Madonna; the big and pig headed right down to the village idiot. They are out there somewhere clutching a brass instrument, a baton, a microphone, an adjudicators pencil or strutting around in a committee room. I hope you enjoy the saga...".

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    


Cory

Cory set for Tibetan title challenge in Kerkrade

June 30 • The Welsh champion will head to the World Music Contest armed with a third adventure of Tintin courtesy of the pseudonym inspired Paul Raphael.


Score

Kapitol looking for York judges...

June 30 • Kapitol Promotions and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators are looking for people to start their judging journey in York in September.


IBBSS

IBBSS Gala Concert to round off Swansea week

June 30 • There will be a Gala Concert packed with performers and stars to enjoy in Swansea at the end of July to close this year's International Brass Band Summer School course.


a4

A4 Brass Quartet ready for busy tour season

June 30 • The critically acclaimed brass quartet can be enjoyed in concert at various compass points throughout the next few months.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Marconi Brass

June 30 • We are a friendly, ambitious Second Section band in Rochester, aiming for promotion to the First Section under MD Jonathan Crowhurst. We have a busy concert calendar across Kent and are seeking a BBb Bass and two Cornet players (positions negotiable).


Cambrian Brass

June 29 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

June 29 • PERCUSSIONIST: DRUM KIT - Nottinghamshire based 1st section band. We are a youthful, welcoming band and would love to hear from you. We rehearse Thursday evenings and have a well balanced schedule of concerts and competitions.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd