BESSES O’ TH’ BARN BAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3763, 16 April 1907, Page 3

BESSES O’ TH’ BARN BAND.

Definitely to appear at Foxton.

Messrs J. and N. Tait, directors of the present phenomenally successful tour of the famous Besses o’ th’ Barn Band’s tour, have definitely decided to give an open air matinee on the Racecourse here on Wednesday afternoon April 24th. This will be the only opportunity local residents will have of hearing the world, famed organisation. The Besses are known as an historical combination of weavers, whose skilled playing has won for them the enviable title of ‘ ‘ Champions of the World.” As far back as 1821 the Besses were awarded their first prize in competition during the coronation ceremonies of George IV. This stands as the introduction to a brilliant list of victories. In June, 1837, at the coronation of the late Queen Victoria, the Besses again competed for the coronation prize and won it. In 20 years the Besses have competed in 190 contests, winning 131 first prizes, 24 second prizes, and x 8 third prizes. The crowning victory occurred in 1903, when at the Crystal Palace Festival they won the ,£2500 national championship trophy against 201 bands. During the last year the Besses, by command, played before H.M. the King, and also made a triumphal tour of France, where Mr Owen (conductor) and Mr lies (manager) were personally decorated by President Loubet, as was the case when they played before King Edward. This remarkable record of successful achievements is unique in the history of Great Britain. Since the Band have toured New Zealand they have been much welcomed everywhere with the greatest enthusiasm, and their playing in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin has createdlquite a sensation. Among the many interesting selections to be heard here is a march, “Zealandia,” specially dedicated to the New Zealand Bandsmen by Mr Owen, whose achievements as a conductor have won for him many laurels in the band world.