Putting Music in Anyone's Grasp

“The Blackpool Bells” was formed in 1996 by a group of friends, and friends of friends, intent on making music from a 2 octave set of handbells. This was quite a challenge, as half the group couldn't read music, but as we mastered 2 octave ringing, and as our group expanded, we invested in a further octave and a half of bells, bringing our total to 43 bells. We have always welcomed people of all levels of musical ability to join us to have fun and produce beautiful music… sometimes!

The more musically talented were inspired to arrange pieces of music for the group to play. Other music is bought from various Handbell sources from around the world.

So You Want To Try Handbell Tune Ringing?

A Typical Practice Session with The Blackpool Bells

Warm up – bell exercises and techniques

Practise of 2 or 3 handbell pieces

Much laughing and poking fun at others

Break for tea and biscuits

Repeat the above

Practise the tricky bits!

Play favourite pieces

..See if YOU have got what it takes to be a Handbell Ringer with the Blackpool Bells team.

Check out our Questions and Answers page!