Brass Britain - Episode 1

Another chance to hear Stephen Tompkinson's four-part celebration of brass band music. From the Pennine Hills to the Welsh Valleys, from the Cornish Copper Towns to the Scottish Glens and over the sea to Ireland, the distinctive sound of brass has been a feature of the culture of the British Isles for almost two centuries. In programme one, singers Dana and Omar reflect on how brass bands influenced their own musical careers. Meanwhile poet Ian McMillan, actor Tony Booth and former Labour leader Neil Kinnock discuss their earliest memories of brass bands and Terry Wogan talks about his brush with brass in The Floral Dance. The programme also explores the roots of brass band music and brass band dynasties.