Brass Bands England has announced the launch of 'Brass at the Seaside', part of its National Brass Band Week which takes place from the 5th to 13th July.

Now in its second year, bands are being asked to take part by putting on their own events to celebrate the excellence and relevance of banding in their heart of communities, with 'Brass at the Seaside' offering the opportunity to reach out to audiences.

Register

Register to be part of Brass Band Week: https://www.bbe.org.uk/bbw

One such event takes place at St Anne's Bandstand in Lytham, across Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July 2025. The event is free to attend and continues to grow with bands able to perform on the Grade II listed bandstand within the Promenade Gardens.

Supported by Lancashire Music Service, the festival is co-organised by Helen Minshall, a champion of youth development and the driving force behind countless grassroots initiatives.

Showcase

Looking forward to the event she said: "Brass at the Seaside just gets better every year. It's a great chance to showcase the breadth of our community and enjoy a proper weekend of banding by the sea."

Friday 11th July will feature a Brass Foundations Schools' Music Day at AKS Lytham, where pupils from across the region will come together to rehearse and perform in massed ensembles.

Brass at the Seaside just gets better every year. It's a great chance to showcase the breadth of our community and enjoy a proper weekend of banding by the seaHelen Minshall

Stick with it

Headed by Helen, the day is designed to encourage players nearing the end of their WCET year to continue their journey — ideally into local youth and senior bands.

Helen added: "We want to give young players a reason to stick with it. Playing alongside others, tackling some exciting repertoire, and working toward a live performance — it all builds the enthusiasm that keeps kids playing."