BBC's 'A Band for Britain' programme is to be transmitted on the 8th March at 9.00pm.

Trailers

And the Beeb has produced two trailers to test the water. So if you want to find out just what comedian Sue Perkins has been up to with Dinnington Colliery Band, go to:

http://www.sumners.co.uk/BFB_1minpromo.html
http://www.sumners.co.uk/BFB_3minpromo.html

Brassed Off

According to the PR blurb: 'Sue Perkins pioneers a revolution in UK brass banding, with a real life 'Brassed off' documentary series'.

They add: "Sue returns to BBC2, when she faces her biggest challenge to date, reviving the dwindling Dinnington Colliery Band in South Yorkshire and transforming them into major contenders for a national brass band competition."

Depression

According to the programme: "Just thirty years ago there were 35,000 registered brass bands playing in the UK, today only around 700 survive. One of which, Dinnington Colliery Band has survived for over 100 years, leading its villagers through the depression, the strikes and the pit closures, but now 25 years since the miners’ strike which tolled a death kneel for many bands, it has just 6 members."

Help at hand

Help is at hand then through the power of a comedian and the BBC television licence payer it seems.

"It is facing closure in a time of recession, just when the locals need it more than ever. But, not if die-hard band members Joan Hardman and her sister Kay can help it."

Failed recruitment drive

"The band means everything to these two ladies; they have both played in it together for over 50 years, barely missing a practice. They are on a mission to save the band and blow much needed life back into their community. However, a recent band recruitment drive has failed to bring in any new members and the ladies cannot do it on their own."

Step forward

Step forward the one and only Sue Perkins.

As the producers Shine Television say: "Grade 8 pianist and winner of the BBC’s Maestro competition, Sue is launching a crusade to transform the brass band into one of Britain’s best, and rejuvenate the local community."

"Will she be successful? Will she overcome the physical fights, sackings, resignations and family feuds to turn around the fortunes of Dinnington Colliery Band? Will she succeed in uniting the community and achieve Joan and Kay’s biggest dream?"

BBC tradition

And in the best BBC Reithian traditions, Shine hope it will prove to be a great success for one and all...

"In the process, Sue will aim to raise awareness of this very British pastime, encourage more people young and old to take up a musical instrument and hopefully set out a blueprint for failing bands up and down the country."

Set the Sky Box now...