There was a wonderful response from the brass bands, players and supporters who attended the recent Butlins Mineworkers Championship in Skegness to help provide funds to support the Butlins ‘Brass for Mbale’ appeal.

Generous

Over £1,300 was generously contributed to help with the development of the revolutionary youth brass band project in Uganda, which offers an invaluable opportunity for over 500 young brass and percussion players across the Mbalke area to learn to play a brass or percussion instrument.

Heart warming

Festival Director, Steve Walker, told 4BR: "It’s been heart-warming to see the support for this wonderful cause.

Funds have been raised from general donations, participation in the ‘Blow for Mbale’ with Brett Baker’s Graduation Band, sales from music sets of the Mbale March, entry into a prize draw and sales from branded leisurewear."

Rewarding

He added: "It’s been so rewarding to help build awareness about the amazing difference these contributions will make to the youngsters associated with the youth brass band project being run by Philip Monk in Uganda.

I’m also extremely grateful to the businesses who have also shown their support such as The Music Company, Kirklees Music and World of Brass."

Further opportunities

He continued: "Now that the fund has truly established itself, we will be developing further opportunities to get involved in the future.

Brass for Mbale is an ideal opportunity for us all to really help these fellow brass band youngsters in Mbale, who have to face so many daily challenges, but through our mutual interest in brass band music, we can make a huge difference to their future."

This weekend has shown that UK brass bands and their supporters are generous people with big heartsSteve Walker

Big hearts

Steve concluded: "This weekend has shown that UK brass bands and their supporters are generous people with big hearts.

Let’s keep this going and help build further awareness about the project and the ways we can all be of help to this wonderful initiative that brings so many positive aspects to so many young lives."