Brass Bands England (BBE) has today revealed the winners of this year’s Brass Bands England Awards. The awards recognise individuals and organisations that have made an exceptional contribution to the world of brass banding.
The Awards were presented during a special ceremony today, Saturday 19 October, at this year’s sold-out Brass Band Conference, held at the City of London School. Awards were presented, with thanks, by their sponsoring organisations mentioned below, along with Brass in Concert CEO Nigel Stevens.
And the winners are:
- Band Project of the Year, supported by rooms4groups: ‘I Can Play! With Brass Roots’, Shepherd Group Brass Band
- Brass Band Conductor Award, supported by the Brass Band Conductors Association: Sarah Woodward, Kirkbymoorside Brass Band
- (NEW) Green Hero Award: National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, for “Fragile Earth”
- Outstanding Contribution Award: Kathleen Harrison
- Young Bandsperson Award, supported by ABRSM: Jasmine Cosgrove
- Services to Youth Award: Jock McKenzie
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Frank Renton
Innovation and dedication
Brass Bands England’s COO, Sarah Baumann, commented: “The Awards grow with each year, and it’s wonderful to continually see the passion the banding community has for the people, projects and organisations that make our sector so special. Following feedback from last year’s ceremony, we added a presentation for all shortlisted nominees so that their work and dedication could also be celebrated.”
New for this year was the Green Hero Award, which was added to recognise innovation towards climate awareness. The award is inline with BBE’s commitment to sustainability and supporting bands with ways to make their organisations greener.
BBE has voiced its commitment to continuing to celebrate achievement within the banding sector. On this, Sarah added: “We’re always looking for ways to ensure those working in every aspect of banding are recognised. We’ve got big plans for the Awards ceremony itself over the next few years, so make sure to watch this space!”
Frank Renton receives special recognition
On Frank Renton’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Brass in Concert CEO Nigel Stevens commented: “I was extremely proud to present Frank Renton with his richly deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. Frank is a man who has inspired, challenged and encouraged me personally - and countless others in the brass band world and wider music industry for many years. His contribution to banding is so broad that it is hard to quantify but his body of work, skill and commitment represents someone who is genuinely one of the few ‘maestros’ of our genre.”
Brass Bands England Awards 2025
Do you know an individual or organisation doing fantastic work in the banding community? Nominations for the next Brass Bands England Awards will open in early 2025. To be the first to know and receive a link to the nomination form, join the BBE mailing list.