The latest meeting of the UK Leading Bands Forum (UKLBF) has re-emphasised its commitment to being a representative voice for bands.

It's mission statement remains "to work in cooperation with decision makers at all levels on areas of mutual benefit directly affecting the current and future promotion and development of major contests and events."

Survey

The results of its own internal survey carried out at the end of 2024 reported that 100% of members felt it was an important development in providing a representative voice, and as a result elected to maintain membership of the Forum.

It has seen the body commit to the mutual sharing of good practice, joint working on specific topics of interest and in inviting guest speakers to discuss wide-ranging topics such as marketing, youth polices, education programmes and funding applications.

It was the intention of the forum for these to be made public for the benefit of all bands, with a working group drafting a programme of events which complements existing events in the banding calendar.

Constructive

The Forum also reported on what it called the "constructive correspondence"that has taken place with the organisers of the British Open Championships relating to feedback from the 2024 competition, as well as recent rule changes.

Issues surrounding percussion requirements for the Area Championships and the potential for a more flexible appreciation of the percussion needs and registration requirements of bands at all levels of the series was discussed.

Current members

The current members of the UK Leading Bands Forum are: Aldbourne; Black Dyke Band; Brighouse & Rastrick; Carlton Main Frickley Colliery; Cory; EverReady; Flowers; Foden's; Friary Brass; Grimethorpe Colliery; GUS; Hammonds; KNDS Fairey; Leyland; Rothwell Temperance; the cooperation band; Tredegar; Whitburn.