Some fantastic news has come from the Brass Bands England (BBE) Fundraising Service, which has announced that banding calendar favourite Bandamonium has secured Arts Council England funding.
A free, open-access festival taking place in rural Devon, Bandamonium brings together bands and musicians from across the UK for a weekend of live music in village squares, pubs and community spaces. Alongside training band showcases and audience participation opportunities, this year’s event will, for the first time, provide digital access through professional recording and livestreaming.
The project also includes significant organisational development activity, helping Bandamonium to strengthen governance, volunteer structures and long-term sustainability, ensuring the festival can continue to grow whilst remaining rooted in the communities it serves.
The application was supported through Brass Bands England’s Fundraising Service, led by Beth Lambert, which provides bespoke advice, training and bid-writing support to member bands and organisations.
Bandamonium founder, Tim Williams, commented:
“Beth was the driving force in our successful Arts Council England bid. She guided Bandamonium through a highly complex process with sage advice and a friendly, encouraging approach. Most importantly, she truly believed in our vision and project – we couldn’t have done it without her.”
Beth Lambert, BBE’s Fundraising Service and Development Manager, added:
“We’re absolutely delighted to see Bandamonium secure Arts Council England funding. Grassroots events like this are vital to the brass banding sector, creating welcoming opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part, whilst helping to widen and diversify audiences, particularly in rural areas where access to the arts and culture can be limited. This project shows what’s possible when community ambition is matched with the right support.”
Bandamonium 2026, which will take place from the 24 to 26 July, will build on the festival’s rapid growth and welcome over 900 musicians for a weekend of free cultural experiences. For more information about the event, visit their website.