With less than a week to go to the start of UK banding’s ‘Brass the Baton’ initiative, plans have been announced for the launch of the 11 week festival which forms part of the UK’s preparations towards the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Initiative

‘Brass The Baton’ is the only London 2012 Inspire project designed specifically for brass bands and is a part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. The launch of ‘Brass the Baton’ will take place as part of the closing ceremony of the European Brass Band Championships in Rotterdam on Sunday 6th May.

Pleased

BFBB Liaison Officer Terry Luddington told 4BR: "We are particularly pleased to have the world premier of the new music commission for ‘Brass the Baton’ at the European Farewell Concert where the European Youth Band will perform ‘Going The Distance’ by Paul Lovatt-Cooper under the direction of Erik van de Kolk."

He added: "This will be a true celebration of the values of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, featuring some of the best young brass musicians in Europe, performing on an international stage and leaving a lasting legacy for the future of European brass bands."

With over 70 events and 7,000 participants the stage is now set to showcase the work of brass bands right across the UK this summerTerry Luddington

UK start

Following the launch, attention will switch to the start of the ‘Brass the Baton’ relays in the UK, where five different colour versions of ‘Going the Distance’ will be premiered by bands over the weekend of 12th/13th May.

Scissett Youth Band from West Yorkshire will start the Blue Baton relay, with Martlesham Brass in Suffolk launching the Yellow Baton relay, Croft Silver in Leicestershire leading the Red Baton relay, Tewkesbury Town in Gloucester Band starting the Green Baton relay, and Scottish Champions, Co-operative Funeralcare launching the Black Baton relay at the Great Northern Spring Arts Brass Festival.

Showcase

Terry added: "With over 70 events and 7,000 participants the stage is now set to showcase the work of brass bands right across the UK this summer."

More information

To find out the latest news on the ‘Brass the Baton’ project and an interactive map of all the events please check out www.brassthebaton.com

If your band wants to join in the fun then all we ask is that you apply in good time and at least 5 weeks before the date of your event.

Application forms are downloadable from the website or by emailing help@brassthebaton.com