Brass Bands England (BBE) has announced another success for its fundraising service with a new Project Grant being awarded from Arts Council England to BBE member Drum and Brass CIC to support its 2025 Brass at the Castle initiative.
A two-day celebration of community brass banding at Brougham Hall in Cumbria, the event is now in its second year and builds on the success of 2024's hugely successful festival. It will once again bring together brass players of all ages and abilities - from emerging young musicians to seasoned performers. With performances, workshops and interactive activities, this year's event is set to be a celebration of the vibrant community music culture brass bands inspire.
Julie Hoggarth, Director of Drum and Brass CIC, said:
“This event is all about grassroots music excellence - telling the story of brass banding as a community-led journey from early years through to older players. It’s about lifelong connection, creativity and collaboration. We’re so grateful to Brougham Hall, our project partners, and the wonderful bands who are coming together to make it all happen. Drum and Brass also gratefully acknowledges the skill and synergy that Brass Bands England’s Fundraising Manager, Beth Lambert, brings to our projects. Ours is a key partnership”.
Beth Lambert, Fundraising Manager at Brass Bands England, added:
“I'm absolutely delighted once again to have been able to work alongside Drum and Brass CIC in developing this successful Arts Council project application. It’s fantastic to see continued investment in inclusive, creative, community-based brass banding in Cumbria. Projects like this show how powerful grassroots music can be in bringing people together. Julie and the team can be very proud of what they’ve created here and the important work they are doing”.
Brass at the Castle 2025 will take place on 17 and 18 May 2025 at Brougham Hall, near Penrith. Full programme details, including how your band can get involved, as well as ticket information, can be found on the Drum and Brass website.
BBE will also contribute to the event by providing two Brass Foundations workshops delivered by Youth Development Brass Specialist Helen Minshall.
BBE's fundraising service is available exclusively to its member bands.