*
banner

Save Our Brass Bands campaign tops £140,000 with extra BBE support available

Fund raising campaign hits £140,000 as BBE announces extra help to bands in need.

sAVE OUR bANDS
  The successful campaign is being backed by BBE's own Emergency Fund

72 band projects have benefited from over £140,000 of fund raising financial thanks to the success of the Brass Bands England backed #SaveOurBrassBands campaign.

Milestone

It's another impressive milestone, and one that has given bands a vital financial lifeline during the restrictions imposed on their activities during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

As of 19th January, the total stood at £140, 539, raised through 2,769 supporters of 72 projects nationwide.

To encourage support bands have been offering various rewards to donors. One of them is the Maltby Miners Welfare Band, which has been recording bespoke virtual performances for supporters to enjoy remotely.

Emergency Fund

Brass Bands England has also pointed out that its own Emergency Fund remains open with over £7,000 currently available to organisations in need.

Individual bands are eligible to apply for support with ongoing costs such as rent, insurance and staff payments. Applicants are also offered bespoke support in governance and funding as part of a wider band triage process offered by BBE.

They will help work with bands on a business plan to ensure that funds generate short-term impact as well as contribute to the ongoing financial health of the organisation. The band triage offer is free to BBE member bands that need it.

Change in motion

Alex Parker, BBE's Relationship and Partnership Development Manager, told 4BR: "The Brass Band Emergency Fund isn't just about plugging a short-term financial hole.

Our band triage sessions can ensure that all areas of band management, such as governance and fundraising are all pointing towards a sustainable future for a band."

He added: "We hope that these micro-grants from our emergency pot can help set these changes in motion, so that bands are in a good position to get back to in-person banding when it's safe to do so."

BBE stated that the total Save Our Brass Bands fundraising figure is set to increase further as more bands complete their fundraising campaigns.

Brass Bands England has also pointed out that its own Emergency Fund remains open with over £7,000 currently available to organisations in need4BR

To support

To support a band please visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-brass-bands.
The Brass Band Emergency Fund is awarded on a rolling basis while funds are available.

Bands wishing to apply should contact sarah@bbe.org.uk

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    


British Open

High demand for premium tickets for British Open

June 5 • Premium tickets for the British Open are starting to become increasingly limited — so don't miss out.


Chav Brass

Chav Brass set for serious fun at Whit Friday

June 5 • The scallywags of the Whit Friday circuit will be performing with serious ambition this year as they seek to inspire the next generation with a mix of DJ Sammy and Eric Ball...


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


HYDE BAND

June 5 • WE CURRENTLY HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES FOR BB BASS, BARITONE & EUPHONIUM. Join our friendly 1st Section Band in the New forest, working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contests. Rehearsals Mon & Thurs 8-10


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Phillip Lawrence

ARCM PGRNCM MFTCL ARCM B.Mus
Composer, conductor, teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd