Supporters of Newstead Brass have responded brilliantly to a recent BBC News website, feature that said that the band was facing "the prospect of insolvency" if it could not raise funds to pay for "rehearsal space and professional staff who lead the musicians."
Like to fold
The report quoted Band Manager Alex Seedhouse stating that they hoped or raise around £3,000 over the Christmas period to ensure that they will be able to keep afloat in 2024 — its 50th anniversary year.
And whilst there was the prospect of the band would "likely fold", due in part to the ongoing cost of living crisis affected concert bookings, Alex said that the band was determined to succeed with their fund raising ambitions.
Response
Despite reduced concert bookings and the cost of living crisis which has severely impacted the band's finances, the generosity shown through a JustGiving page initiative has already seen over £3,700 raised.
Alex had said: "The funding is really crucial for us to keep going."
The story follows another recent BBC report about Stacksteads Band in Lancashire that also stated that they were struggling due to the cost of level crisis affecting donations and bookings.
Solid 2023
Newstead enjoyed a solid 2023 on the contest stage, starting the year with a top section victory at the NEMBBA contest before coming fifth on 'Red Priest' at the Midlands Regional Championships, with a seventh place finish at the Bolsover Entertainment contest and fourth at the recent Leicestershire BBA test-piece event.
Alex Seedhouse added: "Music really is a language that has no barrier, everyone can appreciate music, we obviously enjoy playing together but we want to share that with people."
JustGiving
JustGiving page:
