100 years of women's suffrage is to be celebrated in musical style on the 10th June in London, where it is hoped that female players of all ages will join together to showcase their contribution to professional and community music making.

The event will form part of a much wider celebratory day that will include women and girls walking together to mark the anniversary in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London to create a mass participation artwork called 'Processions'.

Integral part

An integral part of the London event will be the participation of female brass and percussion players, who have played, are currently playing, or wish to perform in all aspects of the worldwide music industry — including brass bands.

Jo Hensel, Deputy Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion at the Guildhall School of Music told 4BR: "We hope as many female players of all ages and abilities can join us in London on Sunday 10th June.

It's going to be a wonderful celebratory occasion and the ensemble conducted by Beth Randell will perform a selection of music by female composers and arrangers as part of this fantastic event.

Brass bands have been revolutionised and enhanced by the inclusion of female players and we were determined that they were fully represented in our celebrations. We would love to welcome as many players as possible to join us in London."

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will be held at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London on Sunday June 3rd for participants (see below) before the big day itself on Sunday 10th June (approx 2.00pm).

Jo added: "Anyone over the age of 18 is also welcome to turn up on the day. Just make sure you bring a music stand and pegs and wear something white, green and/or violet that reflects the colours of the Women's Suffrage movement."

Anyone over the age of 18 is also welcome to turn up on the day. Just make sure you bring a music stand and pegs and wear something white, green and/or violet that reflects the colours of the Women's Suffrage movementJo Hensel

Take part

If you'd like to play in the ensemble, please email us at processions@gsmd.ac.uk stating your instrument and whether you are Under 18/student/professional.

Further details:

Any musicians over the age of 18 who are unable to attend the rehearsal are
Rehearsal for over 18s: Sunday 3rd June. Guildhall School of Music & Drama (11.00am — 1.00pm)

Workshop for under 18s: Sunday 3rd June. Guildhall School of Music & Drama (2.00pm — 5.00pm)

Performance: Sunday 10th June. Central London (2.00pm) — exact time and venue to be confirmed