The British Federation of Brass Bands has announced that they have been successful in their bid for Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio funding for the period 2012-2015.

Delighted

Speaking on behalf of the BFBB, Robert Morgan, Chairman, told 4BR: "We are delighted with the decision from ACE to include the BFBB in its National Portfolio of funded arts organisations through to 2015.

This provides a clear endorsement of BFBB’s bold new strategic plan for the next 4 years which will be unveiled in the near future."

Robert added: "As part of the new National Portfolio BFBB is looking forward to working closely with ACE in the future to encourage much greater participation across the country in the Brass Band Music art form, especially with providing more opportunities for children and young people to get involved."

Robert took time to thank the hard work of BFBB officer in gaining the funding at a time when there are extremes pressures on organisations such as Arts Council England with their budgets.

To have funding secured for the next 4 years is tremendous and we now have to go out and deliverRobert Morgan MBE

Great news

He continued: "This is great news for brass bands that we are now a recognised art form that deserves continued support from the Arts Council.

I would like to congratulate and thank the team that put the bid together — Treasurer, Nigel Morgan, Development Officer, Philip Watson and Liaison Officer, Terry Luddington.

I always thought it was a good bid but must admit to having a few contest nerves waiting for the news to come from ACE. To have funding secured for the next 4 years is tremendous and we now have to go out and deliver."

4BR understands that the funding is as follows:

2012-2013: £45,900
2013-2014: £65,200
2014-2015: £65,200