The Trustees and Staff of Brass Bands England (BBE) are deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her 70-year reign, Her Majesty was associated with brass bands through her patronage of major banding events and remained a passionate supporter of military music in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of 16 British Army regiments.
Since 1952, brass bands throughout the world have had the pleasure of performing for The Queen in many hundreds of civic and royal occasions. It is BBE’s hope that bands will continue to play a vital community role in the weeks and months ahead as Her Majesty’s life and legacy are celebrated, and as His Majesty King Charles III begins his reign.
On behalf of our member organisations, and the wider brass band community, we send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the many millions who mourn the passing of a monarch unrivalled in our history.
Mike Kilroy (Chairman)
Kenneth Crookston (Chief Executive Officer)