Brass Bands England is proud to recognise those individuals and organisations in the banding world that have made an exceptional contribution to brass banding. There is much that deserves to be celebrated, from tireless dedication to imaginative projects and collaborations.
The Brass Bands England Awards 2025 will open on Friday 31 January and close Friday 4 April. Awards will be presented in a special ceremony at The Brass Band Conference 2025, held on Saturday 27 September at Redhills, the Durham Miners Association Hall.
Following feedback there are changes to the awards, the first of which is that the Outstanding Contribution Award will now be decided upon by a board of individuals. The Young Bandsperson has been split into two awards; the original for those aged 18-25, and a new Rising Star Award for those under 18.
The award categories
Band project of the Year
Did you and your band, or a band you know, deliver an exciting project over the past year? Have you worked on or seen something original that promoted banding on a local or national level? Or have your band’s recent activities helped you to progress further towards reaching your goals? Perhaps your band, or a band you know, organised a successful collaboration, carried out a recruitment drive, built a new band room, or went on tour. This is your chance to gain recognition for your activities.
(NEW) Rising Star Award
This new award is for players under 18 who have made an outstanding contribution to their band, whether that's musically, through band organisation or community engagement. We want to hear about someone who has shown great commitment and dedication or overcome great challenges, personal or otherwise, to make a positive contribution.
Young Bandsperson Award
Open to nominations for those aged between 18-25, the Young Bandsperson Award is for those who have made an outstanding contribution to their band; perhaps they’ve taken up a mentor or leadership role, organised concerts, or raised community engagement (to name but a few examples).
Services to Youth Award
The winner of this award will have made a huge positive impact on youth or services to youth in the banding sector demonstrated through their own personal commitment and dedication over a considerable length of time. Their activities will have been far-reaching and inclusive. (This award will not be awarded to the same person twice).
Brass Band Conductor Award
We are looking for inspiring conductors who have made a significant positive impact on the bands they have conducted. They will have shown huge personal commitment and gone the extra mile to deliver an outstanding banding experience both musically and off-stage in the life of their band.
Green Hero Award
This award is for those individuals and organisations who have made climate awareness and environmental sustainability a priority in their banding practice. This might include raising funds to make their bandroom greener, shared transport initiatives, or commissioning a new piece focused on the climate crisis.
What do I need to do to nominate?
Nomination can be made via online form, either through clicking the link or below.
If you'd like to sponsor an award please get in touch by emailing Sarah Baumann on events@bbe.org.uk to discuss options.
Shortlisted nominees for Band Project of the Year will be asked to provide a 90 second video on their project and its positive impact, which will be used during the awards ceremony to highlight their achievements.
How are winners decided?
A judging panel will be made up of Brass Bands England trustees and senior staff, who will select a shortlist and choose a final winner across most categories.
To allow us to gather wider opinion, there are a few exceptions. The shortlist for Band Project of the Year Award will go to public vote, giving you the chance to have your say. The Rising Star Award will be voted for by the BBE Brass Foundations team of Youth Brass Development Specialist, from applications received via the banding public.
Previous winners
The Awards have been part of Brass Bands Englands since 2019. Find out more about the previous winners throughout the years.
Got questions?
These Awards are open to all and not restricted to residents of England. However, Awards will be judged on the activities and benefits recognised within England. Bands may include wind bands and other band formations that have a significant brass section.
The name of the nominator(s) will not be revealed to the nominee without prior consent and shortlisted entries will not be made public until the nominee has accepted their shortlisting. To see further details of who can nominate or be nominated please read the Awards nomination information.
For more information please email chloe@bbe.org.uk or telephone 01226 771015.