A new annual week to promote brass banding has been launched by Brass Bands England (BBE) to raise awareness of brass bands and everything they have to offer.
The first ever national Brass Band Week will take place 6 - 14 July 2024 and is now open to all UK bands to take part by registering their event via the BBE website.
With funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the initiative offers a range of benefits to bands taking part, from free marketing support to specialised training and advice. Bands can register events of any kind, from specially organised concerts, to open rehearsals or education workshops.
As well as raising awareness of bands and the spaces they play in, the initiative aims to connect audiences with bands, including opportunities to support a band, hear performances, or begin playing themselves.
Michael Kilroy, BBE Chair, commented:
“Imagine a UK-wide festival of exciting brass band events for people of different ages, backgrounds and interests, offering the opportunity for new audiences to discover the joy of a brass band through hundreds of events in parks, concert halls and on local high streets. Now that’s something I’d love to be a part of!
“I hope that as many bands as possible will be able to take up this opportunity to widen their reach by participating, for free, in this new national campaign. Together, we can make more of an impact to shine a light on the brilliance of brass bands.”
The week will overlap with BBE Brass Foundation’s Proms In The Playground scheme and will also see a special episode of a new Brass Band Podcast focusing on the Brass Bands Archive. Other event highlights will include Barnsley's Brassed On! Festival, a Brass at the Seaside weekend in Lancashire, and a special 'Brass at the Castle' series from Drum and Brass in Cumbria.
Visit brassbandweek.com to upload your event. A full list of benefits for participation in the week can be found on BBE’s Brass Band Week information page.
Got something extra special coming up or want to chat about planning an event? Email brassbandweek@bbe.org.uk.