Visitors and traders alike enjoyed a highly interesting and successful day at the recent BrassEx exhibition.

The event, devised by Sheffield-based Foundry Studios and supported by Brass Band England's Rachel Veitch-Straw, was aimed at offering information, ideas and support for all things brass, as well as developing collaboration opportunities, offering studio tours, and supporting the Music for All, 'Learn to Play Day' initiative.

Spearhead

Spearheaded by Loxley Silver Band, the 'Learn to Play Day' stall attracted eager non-players as well as current performers wanting to try a different instrument, with Band spokesperson Stuart Young telling 4BR: "We even had a baritone player who fell in love with the flugelhorn! We just hope we haven't inadvertently caused a dilemma when they get back to their band!"

On the trade stalls, Your Logo Here's Lloyd Shipp was certainly pleased with the atmosphere: "The guys at the Foundry have been immensely supportive, they've really gone out of their way to make us comfortable,"he told 4BR.

"I've had been some interesting enquiries, both brass and workwear focused, and I've got a few other plans afoot as a result."

Youngsters

Young people certainly had the most fun — especially those with an eye on the music business as a career choice.

A chance to see how the huge 72 channel mixing desk worked and Foundry Studios' 'walk through' of a recording session were full of eager participants, with the familiar sound of the ladies of Boobs & Brass providing the background music taken from their recent recording session at the studios.

Recording draw

Winners of the popular draw to win a day's recording package worth over £1,000 were local band Unite the Union, with plans already being made for a themed album.

Unite MD, John Roberts, was also one of the day's speakers, keeping the audience entertained and informed with his opinions and anecdotes, whilst Brass Bands England were on hand to talk to offer much needed funding support information.

This was a great pilot event that we now hope to build on. The studios were great hosts and what they have to offer to the brass band community is amazingBrass Band England's Rachel Veitch-Straw

Great pilot

Brass Band England's Rachel Veitch-Straw told 4BR: "This was a great pilot event that we now hope to build on. The studios were great hosts and what they have to offer to the brass band community is amazing. Our thanks go to everyone involved and this was certainly a great first step by the studio in supporting brass bands.

Brass Ex is planned to be an annual brass extravaganza and will grow from its bijou beginnings, so watch this space!"