Brass Bands England has announced that it is to hold another ‘MAD 4 Brass Bands Day’ on the 6th July.

Impress

The ethos is for bands up and down the country to try ‘Making A Difference’ (MAD) by promoting their events and activities, impress new audiences and spread the word that brass bands form an integral part of their communities.

It is hoped to replicate the success of the first ‘MAD Day’ in 2010 by focusing on increasing the public profile of brass bands using as many varied methods as possible to tell the general public about who they are and what they do.

Attract

By doing so it is also hoped that it will see bands attract new audiences, new players and perhaps even new financial support.

Rachel Veitch-Straw, Liaison Officer for Brass Bands England, told 4BR: "We're really looking forward to ‘MAD 4 Brass Bands Day’ this year, with that emphasis on telling the world about what brass bands can offer.

There is no better time to focus on talking to people about their local band: You never know what might arise from a chance conversation, or an article in the local newspaper.

The more people see and hear about how brass bands work in their communities, the more support they will gain to help their future progress."

Social media

Bands are being encouraged to use all media outlets – from the new 21st century phenomenon of Twitter, Instagram and social media tools, to the traditional sticking up of posters, newsletters, local radio and newspapers – and even going out to spread the word mouth to mouth!

Right time

Rachel believes the time to promote ourselves is now. She added: "Some bands may use the publicity drive to seek volunteers for specific events, or for help in raising funds, or to manage the organisational or management tasks to help run a band more effectively. This is the perfect time to ask.

Why not make a push on visiting local schools, libraries, museums, social clubs and firms or networking events and voluntary sector meetings to spread the word about their band."

The more people see and hear about how brass bands work in their communities, the more support they will gain to help their future progressRachel Veitch-Straw, BBE Liaison Officer

Pershore's perfect example

Rachel used the example of the Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival as a perfect example of what can be achieved. The stunning market town will ring out to the sound of 36 bands from Championship Section to Youth in five different venues on July 6th.

"With help from the BBE Norman Jones Trust, this is a perfect example of how brass bands can play a central part in local community life, year after year," she said.

Festival Organiser Dr Valerie Trim added: "Pershore Midsummer Brass' raison d'être is the same as Brass Band England’s — to promote and develop interest in the brass band movement in a local area. With hard work and real commitment it has become a huge attraction and success from which all the bands benefit."

Get in touch

Brass Bands England’s Liaison Officer wants to hear from you and is collecting information about your 'MAD 4 Brass Bands' Day plans.

Please contact: Rachel@brassbandsengland.co.uk or look for @BrassBandsEng on Twitter.

Website: www.brassbandsengland.co.uk