*
banner

Interview with Kenny Crookston CEO of Brass Bands England

After taking up his new role Brass Bands England CEO Kenny Crookston gives his first major interview to 4BR

Crookston
  New BBE CEO Kenny Crookston talks to 4BR

In his first major interview since taking up his role as Chief Executive Officer of Brass Bands England, Kenny Crookston talks to 4BR Editor Iwan Fox.

Over 45 minutes, broken into three segments, he's asked why he applied for the role and how it affects his other interests such as his ownership of British Bandsman magazine, his directorship role at Brass in Concert and at IBB Media.

Vision

He also outlines his vision to what he believes are the main challenges ahead for organisation as well as outlining his desire to work constructively with other bodies and the media to help benefit English banding.

However, he does admit that the clock is now ticking on what BBE must achieve, and whilst telling 4BR what strengths he brings to the role, he also touches on how he currently sees English banding stacking up against European rivals.

The 45 minute major interview covers all aspects of his role and what he wants to be able to achive4BR

Future targets

His views on future targets, the recent youth championship consultation, what BBE can do for bands and how it will link with other national bodies and the European banding culture are also addressed.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Civic Hall

Result: 2026 Midlands Regional Championships Second Section

March 15 • Harborough Band claims the last Midlands title on offer for this year as they are joined in York by Leicestershire Co-op.


markham

Results: 2026 Welsh Regional Championships

March 14 • Cory reclaims the Welsh title as Parc & Dare, Markham & District, City of Cardiff (M2) and Gwaun Cae Gurwen claim section honours.


Pendennis

Results: 2026 West of England Regional Championships

March 14 • Flowers reclaim Area title with section wins for Lympstone, Lanner & District, St Pinnock and Pendennis Brass in Torquay


Shine

Ready to shine? NYBBGB offer audition skills workshops

March 14 • There are a trio of FREE audition skills workshops on offer from the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain to help young player's skills sets.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester.. . . Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a BBb BASS player.. . . We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Linthwaite Band

March 14 • We are a welcoming 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd