The 2015 Bolsover Festival of Brass has been hailed 'an amazing success' following an in-depth post contest analysis of the event.

Representatives from the First Art organisation, Bolsover District Council and partners in the production of the contest weekend met to analyse viewer figures as well as the feedback received from bands, conductors and audience alike.

Worldwide

Viewers logged into the live-stream from all over the banding world — from the UK and Europe to New Zealand and the USA. There were even viewers in Oman, Nigeria, Barbados and Montserrat.

The web-stream formed part of First Art's ongoing project across Ashfield, Bolsover, Mansfield and North-East Derbyshire which aims to make it easier for local people to access and enjoy arts experiences.

The project is funded by Arts Council England, through its Creative People and Places programme.

New arts audience

Paul Steele, Managing Director of First Arts told 4BR: "First Art teamed up with Bolsover District Council and partners with the aim of promoting and developing a new arts audience for a local festival which has an international significance.

Through the wonderful work of everyone involved in the live web-stream we believe we have achieved this and more. We are delighted with the results — the scope, the reach and the quality of the whole event."

Amazing success

"We are also delighted with the outcomes of what proved to be an amazing success,"Carole Hirst of Bolsover District Council told 4BR. "The feedback we have received was overwhelmingly positive, the viewing figures far exceeded expectations and the whole day was delivered in a friendly, competitive atmosphere.

We will now look to develop the contest experience further for 2016 and hopefully beyond."

We are delighted with the results — the scope, the reach and the quality of the whole eventPaul Steele, Managing Director, First Arts

So much fun

4BR Editor Iwan Fox, who was part of the three man presenter team with Kenny Crookston of British Bandsman and Chris Thomas of Brass Band World, added. "It was a great weekend of banding — and so much fun to be part of.

Organisations such as Bolsover District Council and its partners are delivering brass banding to a new, wider audience. They deserve all the plaudits."