It appears that lottery based funding for brass bands is on the increase, according to latest figures released through the All Party Brass Band Group in Parliament.

Huge increase

At their recent AGM, Chairman Jeff Ennis MP, announced that funding to brass bands from Arts Council England has leapt by 183% in one year — from £49,612 in 2008 to £140,375. In addition the Big Lottery Fund payments saw an increase of 157%, from £109,663 in 2008 to £281,721 in 2009.

...funding to brass bands from Arts Council England has leapt by 183% in one year4BR

Delighted

Jeff told 4BR: "I'm absolutely delighted that both Arts Council England and the Big Lottery Fund have responded so positively to the setting up of the Group whose dual purpose is to both promote brass bands as well as trying to secure increased financial support to make sure that all brass bands continue to prosper and serve their local communities."

BFBB support

The group is supported by Philip Watson, the BFBB Development Officer.

Philip added: "The All Party Group is making a big difference to the future of brass bands in this country and the BFBB continues to advise and work with the Group on many aspects of banding in the UK."