The first Bandamonium Yorkshire event has been hailed as a great success after being enjoyed by players, audiences and communities alike.
Hosted by the Bandamomium Charity and Kirkbymoorside Town Band with sponsorship help from Geneva Instruments, the day saw ensembles perform across North Yorkshire with a spectacular massed band finale in Kirkbymoorside.
The event mirrored the original West Devon initiative, and saw over 150 musicians from six bands play 30 performances in Helmsley Market Place, The Coach House at Rosedale Abbey, The New Inn Cropton, The Royal Oak Gillamoor and Kirkbymoorside — moving between the venues on coaches provided by the organisers.
Taking part
Kirkbymoorside Town was joined by Swinton & District Excelsior, Stape Silver, Tees Components Brass, Kirkbymoorside Bandtastics and Bandamonium Barbarians.
Two special presentations were made, with the 'Bandamonium Trophy' awarded to Kirkbymoorside Town Band for embracing the Bandamonium spirit, and 'The People's Choice Award' going to Swinton & District Excelsior Band.
the real success lay in creating a sustainable model for future Bandamonium festivals across the country — one that blends tradition, fun, and community engagement in equal measureorganisers
Significant step forward
A Bandamomium spokesperson told 4BR: "This first event marked a significant step forward for the festival's development, having started in West Devon four years ago.
Now with formal charity status and supported by the Geneva Foundation, this year we were able to introduce fresh brass band activities that challenged the misconception that brass bands are old-fashioned or lack excitement.
While sponsorship played a vital role in helping bring the event to life, for both Geneva and Bandamonium the real success lay in creating a sustainable model for future Bandamonium festivals across the country — one that blends tradition, fun, and community engagement in equal measure."
More information
For more information go to https://www.bandamonium.co.uk/yorkshirelineup
