The organisers of the Bolsover Festival of Brass are hoping to exceed their record worldwide viewing figures for their popular event to be held on Sunday, 6th October at the Heritage High School in Clowne.

Over 25,000 people logged into the free live broadcast in 2018, and with all 58 performances to be broadcast across two channels during a 13-hour telethon to be broadcast on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter it is hoped that figure will be broken

The live stream will be hosted by 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Brass Band World Chief Contributor Chris Thomas, supported by principal sponsor Warwick Music Group, creators of pBone, pTrumpet and pCornet.

Worldwide appeal

The video streaming initiative will use the latest online broadcast technology to enable the worldwide audience to participate in online voting. Last year, more than 500 people submitted votes via the online poll to offer support and their personal choices of winners.

Footage will be captured and retained online for bands and viewers to enjoy after the event.

First-time entries for 2019 include Brass of the Saff, a community band from Leicestershire, Amersham, Llwydcoed, Roberts Bakery, Langley, Ratby Co-op, Hoover Bolton and Greenfield — emphasising the growing geographical attraction of the event in the UK.

Captured

Competing bands in the two halls will perform their 20-minute programme of entertainment music.

Live stream producer James Parkinson told 4BR: "Thanks to the sponsorship of Warwick Music Group, for the first in the Festival's history, not only will the whole event be streamed for free, but the footage will be captured and retained online enabling viewers and musicians to enjoy all the day's performances again in the weeks following the event."

the footage will be captured and retained online enabling viewers and musicians to enjoy all the day's performances again in the weeks following the eventJames Parkinson

Inspirational

Steven Greenall, Chief Executive of Warwick Music Group, said the Bolsover Festival of Brass is inspirational in the way it is extending the festival experience online.

"We are delighted to be working with one of the leading brass band championships in the UK — which has extended boundaries and encouraged thousands of people worldwide to enjoy brass music — no matter where they are.

We share their philosophy of making brass and wind music more accessible — encouraging people of all ages, no matter where they live, to enjoy playing and listening to music together. It is great to be associated with such an inspirational team of musicians and teachers."

The broadcast will encourage viewers to share their messages of good luck, opinions on the performances, enter give-away quizzes — and crucially, participate in the online voting.

It is the third year running that Warwick Music Group has supported the festival which has now become an established fixture in the brass band calendar.

All corners of the globe

An event spokesperson added: "Alongside our local partner sponsors Elmton with Creswell Parish Council, Clowne Parish Council and Shirebrook Town Council, Warwick Music Group's support enables the performances to be broadcast to every corner of the globe, and we are keen to encourage and engage with viewers worldwide — no matter where they might be."