Besses o' th' Barn Band

Besses o' th' Barn Band is one of the oldest Brass Bands in the World that is still in existence (formed in 1818). The band's name is recognised throughout the world of music.

The past 200 years have been filled with:

Extensive concert tours throughout the British Isles, Europe and the World (two 18-month world tours in the early 1900's – visiting America, Canada, South Africa, Honolulu, Fiji, New Zealand, Tasmania and Australia to name a few).
Many prestige concerts for British Royalty (by Royal Command), and International Dignitaries.
Huge number of recordings starting with the original Wax Cylinders and continuing through the 78 rpm Discs, LP's, CD's, and DVD's.
Numerous TV appearances as well as providers of soundtracks for TV documentaries, shows and films.
Amazing success as National and International Music Contests.
Besses Band is a 'True Survivor', and as a self-financing organisation, has faced 200 years of blows that could easily have spelt the end for the band.

Two World Wars
The Spanish Flu Pandemic
National Strikes
The Great Depression
The emergence of competing music and entertainment options and the gradual demise of Brass Band interest from audiences, young players, local and national government support.
The COVID pandemic is the most recent situation that cut off all options to generate income through concert performances.
Besses Band, during its 200-year history, has been there, played there, seen it, done it, endured it, survived it and 'GOT THE T-SHIRT'.

The bands unique, intriguing, entertaining and sometimes 'jaw-dropping' history needs to be celebrated and the story be told.