Brass Bands England has reported that their proactive approach to meeting new as well as existing member bands at the recent Cheltenham National Finals proved to be a great success.

Led by CEO Kenneth Crookston and members of the BBE staff, over the course of the weekend 11 new bands took the opportunity to join the organisation — meaning that 49% of all the competing English bands at the event were BBE members.

Exceeding targets

This new influx has also ensured that BBE has boosted its overall membership figures by 25% since the start of the current Arts Council England Funding Cycle in April 2018 — exceeding their agreed annual target.

One of the attractions to signing-up at Cheltenham was the innovative partnership with Band Supplies Ltd, which saw BBE members able to secure £20 off the purchase price of the 2019 Area test-pieces. 4BR understands that BBE hopes to initiate more money saving deals for its members in the future.

Great weekend

BBE Partnership & Development Manager Alex Parker told 4BR: "We certainly enjoyed a great weekend in Cheltenham, where we managed to speak directly to members or supporters from every English band taking part.

It was great to be out there talking to so many people about what they need support with, and we're incredibly pleased with the response from bands wanting to join."

Membership of Brass Bands England starts at £75.00 for youth bands and £100.00 for adult bands.

To find out more go to: bbe.org.uk/join-us

It was great to be out there talking to so many people about what they need support with, and we're incredibly pleased with the response from bands wanting to joinBBE Partnership & Development Manager Alex Parker

Membership

Membership includes access to all of BBE's services and discounts — including potential substantial savings on bespoke insurance packages (available through affiliate membership of Making Music) which has already saved some bands hundreds of pounds on their renewal quote.

There is also a free DBS 'Checking Service', discounted attendance at BBE training events, support with funding applications and access to the new features on the members' area on the BBE website where bands can advertise their own concerts and events, advertise for player vacancies and be listed in the membership directory.