Brass Bands England will hold its first National Conference at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Saturday 3rd December.

A full day of activity has been scheduled — starting at 9.30am with registration followed by an official welcome by Frank Renton. The keynote speaker for the event is Howard Snell.

Transition point

BBE Chairman Mike Kilroy told 4BR: "The conference signifies an important transition point.

Since 2013 BBE has experienced two years of organisational recovery and one year of renewal and outreach. The increasing member benefits, better networks and improving relationships with established partners, major funders and government has seen a rise in funding applications and an uplift in successful applications across the banding community.

These are not specifically driven or attributable directly to BBE but increasing confidence, raising of awareness and the appreciation at the highest level of what benefits brass bands bring to individuals and communities has played a vital part in supporting these applications."

Time to consult

He added: "BBE have recently undertaken a significant strengthening of the board of trustees to start the process of preparing for the future.

The board feels it is the time is right to consult directly with the brass band community to develop a future strategy to support and promote Brass Bands that is formulated and designed by brass bands people from all facets of the community themselves."

Funding application

4BR has been informed that the outcomes from the conference will form the basis of BBE's funding application to Arts Council England in March 2017.

A 'Strategic Action Plan' informed and designed by the attendees will form the basis of BBE's approach for the next five years.

Work together

Mike concluded: "It's fair to say that this is probably the first time that the whole of the brass band community have been invited to work together to design the strategy that will help it achieve its individual and collective needs and aspirations.

It's hoped that this will be a success and that a conference could be held in other locations around the country every two years.

I stress that this event is not just for administrators, associations, high profile individuals and press. It is very important that people from right across the broadest spectrum of brass banding come along, young, old, experienced or newcomers to contribute to designing the future focus for brass bands in this country."

It's hoped that this will be a success and that a conference could be held in other locations around the country every two yearsBBE Chairman Mike Kilroy

Schedule

9.30am: Registration and Refreshments
BBE Liaison Officers rolling presentation and information
Representatives from the One Handed Musical Instrument Trust, Brass for Africa, Unibrass, Army and RAF available for information and advice.

10.00am: Introduction from Frank Renton
10.00am: Youth Forum (Foyer)
10.00am: ACE Grants for the Arts advice and information ACE Team (Foyer)

10.05am: Review of BBE year Mike Kilroy
10.15am: Keynote Speech by Howard Snell
10.45am: Making the band room a safe environment
11.00am: Embedding Safeguarding

11.30am: Break

11.45am: Traders Forum (Foyer)
11.45am: Repertoire for Brass Bands
12 noon: AGM

12.45am: Lunch

1.30pm: Shaping the Future of Brass Bands: Visioning Session
3.30pm: Closing Speech and thanks