Brass Bands England has been inspiring bands from Worthing to Carlisle with invaluable ideas and advice with their latest round of networking events and presentations.

All three newly appointed Liaison Officers were in attendance at a recent event hosted by the Brackley Band in Northamptonshire (above), led by BBE's Rachel Veitch-Straw.

Midlands

17 band representatives, Band Association members and event promoters from the likes of the Brass in Concert Championship travelled from all over the Midlands beyond to find out more about the opportunities that can be grasped from the latest funding sources, charitable trusts, community foundations, philanthropic organisations and crowdfunding campaigns.

Cumbria

Meanwhile, a Cumbrian networking evening hosted by Penrith Town Band brought together eight bands from within a 60-mile radius.

At each event, Rachel was on hand to present clear advice, information and guidance on how to make progress when trying to access these funding streams, as well as giving constructive advice on how bands can develop artistic projects and social media presence.

Feeedback

Both events proved to be a great success, with a spokesperson for Penrith Town Band telling 4BR: "It was really useful, with loads of information to filter."

Other also found that the events had been of huge benefit, with an Egremont Town Band spokesperson adding: "It was energetic and full of enthusiastic delivery with some great ideas. It made us think differently about our band's funding."

Strengths

One of the strengths of the events was information sharing, with many bands keen to copy great ideas from others such as a T-shirt campaign in Durham, a fundraising contest between instrumental sections in Boarshurst, and a targeted e-bay campaign in London.

Exciting

Rachel herself told 4BR: "The networking events, where bands also have chance to socialise and strengthen connections are a growing part of what Brass Bands England can offer.

It is exciting to report that we are now talking to some of the Band Associations to extend the reach of the workshops."

The networking events, where bands also have chance to socialise and strengthen connections are a growing part of what Brass Bands England can offerRachel Veitch-Straw

Contact points:

If your band or association is interested in hosting an event, contact the appropriate BBE Liaison Officer:

Yorkshire & Humberside, North, North West: Rachel@brassbandsengland.co.uk

Midlands and South West: Darren@brassbandsengland.co.uk

Norfolk, London & Southern Counties: Vicky@brassbandsengland.co.uk