Arts Council funding boost for Cumbria

Cumbria's Big Brass Weekend secures a third year of Arts Council Funding as it continues to celebrate music, collaboration and creativity.

The event is now in its third year — but this time under a different name

Thursday, 02 April 2026

Drum and Brass CIC have secured nearly £24,000 of funding from Arts Council England to deliver the third year of its flagship event, Brass at the Castle — now rebranded as Cumbria's Big Brass Weekend.

The two-day event will take place at Brougham Hall, near Penrith, on the weekend of the 16th & 17th May, with the aim of bringing together brass bands, young musicians and communities from across the region for a celebration of music, collaboration and creativity.

Annual fixture

What began as a new initiative to connect Cumbrian bands has now developed into a popular annual fixture, supporting rural music-making and strengthening the Cumbria Brass Network.

4BR was informed: "Across the weekend, audiences can enjoy a vibrant and exciting programme of performances, participatory workshops, family-friendly activities and opportunities to try brass instruments for the first time."

Highlights

Highlights will include a gala performance, the NOva Brass Quartet, Queen Victoria's Consort in concert, masterclass workshops with the RNCM and a Victorian instrument workshop with Andrew Kershaw.

The funding marks the third consecutive Arts Council England award secured for Drum and Brass CIC through Brass Bands England's (BBE) member-exclusive Fundraising Service.

Drum and Brass has cause once again to thank Beth Lambert of BBE for her excellent advice and support for this bid. We see her as part of our team!Julie Hoggarth

BBE thanks

Speaking about that success, Julie Hoggarth, Director at Drum and Brass CIC told 4BR: "Drum and Brass has cause once again to thank Beth Lambert of BBE for her excellent advice and support for this bid. We see her as part of our team!"

In response Beth added: "I'm thrilled for the team at Drum and Brass CIC. This event wholeheartedly champions grassroots music-making, as well as providing a vital opportunity for players, bands and volunteers from a rural area to really connect and learn from one another.

It's an absolute highlight for me in the brass banding calendar and it's been a pleasure to be involved for a third year."

More information:

For more information go to:
https://drumandbrass.co.uk/brass-at-the-castle/

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