The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced further details of it hosting of the 2014 European Brass Band Championships.

Nationwide

SBBA revealed that it will be using this opportunity to stage a nationwide programme of events with the intention of involving every brass band in Scotland, under the title, European Festival of Brass 2014.

They hope the project will create Europe’s largest festival of its kind and will be one of the most widespread initiatives ever undertaken by SBBA.

Community Focus

The festival will run from 26th April – 11th May and, in addition to the main European contest and associated events taking place at Perth Concert Hall, it will include a variety of exciting community-focussed activities across the country.

These will include a series of ‘Pop-Up Concerts’ involving short performances in a variety of public venues local to each band, as well as individual events such as open rehearsals, workshops and master-classes, outdoor performances, themed concerts and collaborative projects with other local music groups all aimed at highlighting the important role brass bands play in their community.

Band Trail

The Scottish Band Trail is a coordinated initiative which will follow routes which combine to generate a geographical loop of brass music around the country.

An exhibition will be staged in Perth Museum covering the history of brass bands in Scotland, whilst a themed closing weekend will bring together bands within a local area to create a series of ‘Hub’ events.

EFOB 2014 is probably one of the most significant organised events for Scotland’s brass bands to dateSBBA

Charity Partner

SBBA has also announced The Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) as the official EFOB 2014 Charity Partner.

CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides vital hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

It is intended that collections for CHAS will be made at all appropriate EFOB 2014 events, enabling brass bands to make a significant contribution to help fund the critical services the charity offers the many children in its care.

Significant

A SBBA spokesperson told 4BR: "EFOB 2014 is probably one of the most significant organised events for Scotland’s brass bands to date, and SBBA wants to support the organisations who embrace the wide variety of opportunities this unique public focus will provide.

SBBA invites every brass band and group in Scotland to share in this landmark festival."

Information packs

To find out more, the Information Pack and Event Response Forms are now available for interested organisations to download from the ‘Community Events’ section of the festival’s website: www.EuropeanFestivalofBrass2014.com