*
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    


Deleruyelle

Buma accolade for Deleruyelle

March 7 • Composer Thierry Deleruyelle follows in prestigious footsteps with Buma International Wind Music Award.


Vilhelmsen

Vilhelmsen's growing presence honoured with Norwegian award

March 6 • Composer Ingebjørg Vilhelmsen has been presented with a prestigious International Achievement Award by the Norwegian Music Publishers Association.


Prestige cornet

Prestige preview at Perth and Huddersfield

March 6 • Cornet players can get an early look at the brand new Besson Prestige BE2029 in Perth and Huddersfield this weekend.


Mossley Band

Dignity and determination in defeat for Mossley

March 6 • If only all bands could place a contesting set-back in the same wider context as Mossley Band's Chairperson...


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

March 6 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

March 6 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

March 6 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd