Brass Bands England (BBE) is intending on ensuring 'Brass Banding' is included in the newly launched UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory, and is seeking comments and feedback from members and the wider sector before the submission deadline.
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?
Intangible Cultural Heritage includes living traditions and expressions such as oral traditions (storytelling etc), performing arts, social practices, rituals, festivals, events, traditional craftsmanship and knowledge related to nature and the universe. Unlike tangible heritage, which consists of physical objects such as monuments or artifacts, ICH is experienced and transmitted through practice and not stored physically. It is also referred to as 'Living Heritage' because it evolves with communities while maintaining a link to the past.
In 2024, the UK joined many countries in supporting the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Examples of living heritage in the UK range from bell-ringing to boat-building, cèilidh to carnival, pantomime to pancake day, Highland games to Eisteddfod, Lambeg drumming to longsword dancing, and dry-stone walling to wassailing.
As part of this, the UK is setting up inventories of living heritage found throughout the UK. There are four separate inventories for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and these will combine into one inventory of living heritage in the UK. 2025 is the first year of accepting submissions to be added to the inventory.
How is BBE getting involved
BBE is submitting an Expression of Interest to add Brass Banding as an element to this inventory. Our suggested element description is as follows (there is a 50 word limit on the EOI submission form):
Brass Banding is a musical subculture prevalent in communities across the British Isles. With roots in nineteenth-century industrial, religious, and military communities, it has evolved to reflect the diversity of contemporary Britain. Intergenerational by nature, international in outlook, amateur yet musically innovative, Banding is a unique and thriving cultural tradition.
We are required to submit this Expression of Interest by 27th March 2026. If you would like to comment on our current description, please contact our Heritage Programmes Manager, Sue Pope by Friday 20th March.
Sue Pope, Heritage Programmes Manager commented:
"BBE's focus in this submission is to ensure that Brass Banding as an overarching artform is suitably represented, however, we know that there are significant regional and cultural differences within the artform, and we would be keen to support any individuals who wish to make a submission to ensure local tradition is represented."
How banders can get involved
You can submit your 50 word Expression of Interest for your element (contest, local banding tradition, event, festival etc.) to the Living Heritage website.
If you wish to read more about the Inventory and information on how to respond, please visit their guidance page.
To view other elements already submitted, to give you a flavour of what is being expressed to be included in the inventory, please visit here:
https://livingheritage.unesco.org.uk/get-involved/elements
Benefits of adding your ICH to the Inventory
Listing your ICH on the inventory offers several benefits, including:
- Recognition and Protection: It provides official recognition of your cultural practices, ensuring they are preserved and protected for future generations.
- Community Engagement: It encourages community involvement in the preservation of their heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their traditions.
- Global Awareness: It raises awareness of your cultural identity and heritage, contributing to a broader understanding of the rich diversity of the UK's cultural heritage.
- Cultural Exchange: It facilitates cultural exchange and collaboration with other communities, promoting international recognition and appreciation of shared cultural heritage.
- Economic and Social Benefits: It can lead to economic benefits, such as tourism and local economic development, as well as social benefits, such as community cohesion and cultural pride.
By adding your ICH listing to the inventory, you are contributing to the preservation and promotion of brass banding, ensuring that it remains a vital part of communities and the UK's cultural heritage.