*
banner

Elevate initiative brings brass and drag together

The Freckleton Band will work with artist Jamie Fletcher to bring together two long standing performing traditions in an exciting new BBE collaboration.

Eleavte
  The programme will pair the Freckleton Band with artist Jamie Fletcher

At its recent annual conference, Brass Bands England (BBE) announced that the Freckleton Band would work with director and musician Jamie Fletcher as part of its 'Elevate' initiative.

It will see a creative collaborative connection made between brass bands and drag — bringing together two long standing performing traditions. By working together across a nine-month partnership, the collaboration hopes to explore new ideas, genres and ways of performing.

Elevate

Speaking about the link, BBE's Chief Operating Officer Sarah Baumann told 4BR: "We were delighted with the number of bands and artists wanting to take part in this fantastic programme.

After a rigorous process we are thrilled to have connected Jamie Fletcher with Freckleton Band and look forward to working with them to produce a drag show to remember!"

Diverse stories

Jamie Fletcher specialises in multi-disciplinary performance, musical theatre, comedy, adaptations and work with socio-political themes.

She has worked in the industry for over 16 years including as a core artist with Unlimited Theatre. Her identity as a northern, working class, neurodivergent, queer, trans woman informs the work she makes.

Jamie is deeply passionate about directing, collaboration and telling diverse stories on the stage and screen, as well as finding new creative ways to tell these.

Directing highlights include the Fringe First award-winning 'Happy Meal' by Tabby Lamb, and the critically acclaimed UK revival of 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask.

Brass band link

Speaking about the collaboration Jamie commented: "I grew up playing in brass bands, so when I found out about the Elevate project I had to get involved!

I'm excited to bring together two of England's best loved traditions, brass bands and drag cabaret for a spectacular creative collaborative extravaganza!"

Hooked

In response, Freckleton's Musical Director Adam Taylor added: "Freckleton are a community band on an ambitious journey to progress and innovate. When we read about the opportunity to work with Jamie and BBE on this project, we were immediately hooked.

We're looking forward to exploring exciting new ways of creating and entertaining, building new relationships in the region, and championing diversity in our wonderful brass banding community."

Freckleton and Jamie will be paired together to create a performance to be premiered by March 2024.

I'm excited to bring together two of England's best loved traditions, brass bands and drag cabaret for a spectacular creative collaborative extravaganza!Jamie Fletcher

More information

More information will be available shortly for audiences to purchase tickets for the live performance. BBE will be opening applications for Round 2 of the programme on Monday 16th October.

To find out more visit BBE's Elevate webpage or sign up to the next information sessions on Monday 22nd October or Wednesday 23rd November.

https://www.bbe.org.uk/elevate

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    


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Kerkrade

World Music Contest announces test-pieces

April 2 • Works by Jan de Haan, Lucy Pankhurst, Etienne Crausaz, Thierry Deleruyelle and Liz Lane will test bands wishing to be crowned World Champion in Kerkrade next year.


Carlton Brass

95 year old leads Carlton Area celebrations

April 2 • The remarkable Ken Dunkin led the celebrations as CarLton Brass recently won the Midlands Region Second Section title in Bedworth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd