Brass
at the Seaside returns to St Anne’s Bandstand, Lytham, across Saturday
12 and Sunday 13 July 2025, bringing a full weekend of open-air brass
music back to the Fylde Coast. The event is free to attend and continues
to grow as a summer staple in the North West’s brass banding calendar.
The venue — a Grade II listed bandstand within the Promenade Gardens
and just metres from St Anne’s Pier — offers a picturesque backdrop for a
broad mix of ensembles, with a full programme across three days. From
seasoned championship section performers to vibrant youth groups, the
event celebrates the full spectrum of brass banding.
Supported by Lancashire Music Service, the lead organisation for the
Lancashire Music Hub, the festival is co-organised by Helen Minshall,
well-known throughout the banding community as a champion of youth
development and the driving force behind countless grassroots
initiatives.
“Brass at the Seaside just gets better every year,” says Helen. “It’s a great chance to showcase the breadth of our community — and enjoy a proper weekend of banding by the sea.”
A Platform for young players
In keeping with the event’s development focus, a bonus day on Friday
11 July will feature a Brass Foundations Schools' Music Day at AKS
Lytham, where pupils involved in Whole Class Instrumental Tuition across
Lancashire will come together to rehearse and perform in massed
ensembles. Headed up by Helen, in her role as Youth Brass Development
Specialist for Brass Bands England, the day is designed to encourage
players nearing the end of their WCET year to continue their journey —
ideally into local youth and senior bands.
“We want to give young players a reason to stick with it,” says
Helen. “Playing alongside others, tackling some exciting repertoire, and
working toward a live performance — it all builds the enthusiasm that
keeps kids playing.”
Part of Brass Band Week
Brass at the Seaside is part of BBE’s National Brass Band Week (5–13
July 2025), now in its second year. Bands across the country are invited
to join the movement by putting on their own events to celebrate the
reach and relevance of banding in communities nationwide. Events can
then be registered as part of the Week.
With its mix of seasoned performers, emerging talent and seafront
spectacle, Brass at the Seaside is a shining example of how accessible,
inclusive and joyful banding can be.