There will be a full day of activity and discussion in Manchester today to try and create a future strategy for Brass Band England to take to the Arts Council England.

Brass Bands England will hold its first National Conference at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester today (Saturday 3rd December)

A full day of activity with a reported 80 delegates and interested parties has been scheduled — starting at 9.30am with registration followed by an official welcome by Frank Renton. The keynote speaker for the event is Howard Snell.

Transition point

BBE Chairman Mike Kilroy told 4BR: "The conference signifies an important transition point. The board feels it is the time is right to consult directly with the brass band community to develop a future strategy to support and promote brass bands that is formulated and designed by brass bands people from all facets of the community themselves."

Funding application

4BR has been informed that the outcomes from the conference will form the basis of BBE's funding application to Arts Council England in March 2017.

A 'Strategic Action Plan' informed and designed by the attendees will form the basis of BBE's approach for the next five years.

A full day of activity with a reported 80 delegates and interested parties has been scheduled — starting at 9.30am4BR

Schedule:

9.30am: Registration and Refreshments
BBE Liaison Officers rolling presentation and information
Representatives from the One Handed Musical Instrument Trust, Brass for Africa, Unibrass, Army and RAF available for information and advice.

10.00am: Introduction from Frank Renton
10.00am: Youth Forum (Foyer)
10.00am: ACE Grants for the Arts advice and information ACE Team (Foyer)

10.05am: Review of BBE year Mike Kilroy
10.15am: Keynote Speech by Howard Snell
10.45am: Making the band room a safe environment
11.00am: Embedding Safeguarding

11.30am: Break

11.45am: Traders Forum (Foyer)
11.45am: Repertoire for Brass Bands
12 noon: AGM

12.45am: Lunch

1.30pm: Shaping the Future of Brass Bands: Visioning Session
3.30pm: Closing Speech and thanks