Bolsover District Council has announced that funding has been secured to develop the 2008 Bolsover Brass Open Entertainment Competition.

Now that plans are in place to expand the entertainment competition for 2008 Carole Hirst, Arts Development Officer has been working with Wilson Bowden Developments to put together a funding application to Arts & Business to support local community participatory arts projects.

The Arts & Business funding has now provided the financial security to ensure the competitions on-going developmentCarole Hirst

£10,000

The bid for Arts & Business funding has been successful and £10,000 has been secured for several participatory arts projects including financial support for the brass band entertainments competition and a project to work with the VIVA Orchestra for local primary school children.

Financial support

Carole commented to 4BR: "Since the announcement of the contest becoming an ‘Open Entry Competition’ and the decision to include both a Junior/Unregistered and Championship section we have been looking for financial support to ensure the competitions continued success. The Arts & Business funding has now provided the financial security to ensure the competitions on-going development."

Ambitious plans

Carole added: "The ambitious plans we have for the Championship Section Invitation Entertainments Competition is to stage a ‘Four Counties Challenge’. The invited bands are United Co-op Crewe from Cheshire, Derwent Brass from Derbyshire, Stocksbridge Band from Yorkshire and Ratby Co-operative Band from Leicestershire. A wide expanse geographically, they will all compete for the title."

Wilson Bowden Developments have been a very supportive and active sponsor who are keen to be actively involved in all the projects supported through the Arts & Business funding.

Competition details

The competition will be held on Sunday 5th October 2008 at the Kissingate Leisure Centre, Shirebook.

All enquiries for the competition should be directed to Carole Hirst on 07979 240423 or write in her at, Bolsover District Council, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. S44 6NF.