At its recent Annual General Meeting in Stavanger, the European Brass Band Association provided its annual report and accounts for the year ending 31st December 2024.

The Annual Report presented by EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg outlined the work undertaken by the organisation.

This included extensive updating of essential legal requirements, procedures and documentation, such as updated GDPR, Health & Safety, Security, Environment, Emergency and Ethical polices, as well on connections between EEBA and local organisers and insurance liability policies.

Palanga 2024

An overview of the event in Palanga 2024 was said to have, "showed an extremely strong commitment, stamina and persistence to host the European Championships", which it was stated, was helped by "a large number of eager and service minded volunteers".

However, whilst, "the playing and musical performances by competing bands and the gala concert were wonderful experiences for all"with "a great atmosphere", it added that, "the expectations created in the introduction of Lithuania as a host country with promises of great local interest, weren't met at all...with many empty seats during the event."

Future organisers were confirmed as Linz (2026); Montreux (2027) and Birmingham (2028).

Support

Current sponsorship partnerships were confirmed, with Adams the latest alongside World of Brass, Geneva Instruments, Besson, Yamaha Music, Hal Leonard Europe, Lake Music, Stomvi, and Denis Wick.

It was also confirmed that 'corona support' to the tune of 600,000 NOK received from Norwegian philanthropist Trond Mohn had been used to support the European Youth Brass Band in 2022 and to aid other projects for development of EBBA.

EBBA accounts

In respect to its accounts, EBBA showed a small surplus of income for the year ending Dec 31st 2024 of 4,525 Euros (15,404 in 2023/ 3,246 in 2022) .

The organisation had enjoyed a small increase in income (due mainly to host management fees) of 86,133 Euros (83,674 in 2023/ 114,553 in 2022 — due to covid support), made up of membership fees (which remained at 10,800 in 2023 and 2022) and sponsorship and recording partnership income of 48,450 Euros (47,050 in 2023/ 44,300 in 2022).

During the same period, overall expenditure had increased to 81,607 Euros at the end of 2024 (68,270 in 2023/111,308 in 2022).

Costs

EBBA organisation costs increased to 47,280 Euros (28,416 in 2023/ 33,410 in 2022) whilst prize money to competitors increased to 23,750 Euros (23,550 in 2023/ 22,250 in 2022)

The 4,526 Euro surplus at the end of 2024 (15,404 in 2023/3,246 in 2022) was added to the EBBA reserves of 65,480 Euros to amount to 70,006 at the end of 2024.

In respect to its accounts, EBBA showed a small surplus of income for the year ending Dec 31st 20244BR

2025 budget

The EBBA organisation budget for the period ending 31st December 2025 was set at 96,799 Euros (96,118 in 2024) of overall income.

This was made up of membership income (remaining the same at 10,800 Euros) but with increases in sponsorship and recording partnership income (49,202 Euros), host management fees (22,472 Euros) and entry fees and side events (9,000 and 2,325 Euros).

Projected expenditure was 83,239 Euros including EBBA organisation costs of 43,000 Euros, prize money of 23,750 Euros and other event costs of 3,000 Euros.

Financial and other costs are projected at 7,489 to leave a potential net surplus of 13,560 Euros at the end of the financial period.