*
banner

180 jobs at risk at Sage Gateshead

The iconic Brass in Concert Championship venue announces that 180 jobs could be at risk as it faces a potential £10 million financial loss.

Sage
  The Sage Gatehead is facing a potential £10 million loss

Sage Gateshead, home to the annual Brass in Concert Championship (BiC), has announced the start of redundancy consultations that could lead to the loss of up to 180 jobs.

Huge loss

The 2020 BiC Festival weekend was cancelled earlier this year, and it has now been reported that the venue, which has become the hugely popular home for the event since 2005, is facing losses of up to £10 million by the end of the financial year due to the effects of the Coronavirus lockdown.

The iconic award winning arts centre perched on the banks of the River Tyne has seen the vast majority of its 500 staff furloughed.

It is hoped that the venue will host the European Brass Championships in the next few years following the opening of a bid process by Brass Bands England.

Small public subsidy

Although a campaign was set up to raise £3 million over the next three years to mitigate the long term impact, the venue, which is run as a charity, has stated that it has been hit particularly hard as over the past decade it has reduced the amount of its public subsidy to a ration of 5:1.

The 45 day consultation programme will now begin, although a spokesperson for the venue told the local media that they still hope to be able to plan for a "smaller, more flexible autumn season", with live music making a return in "a safe and socially distanced way".

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Smith and Grezzy

Smith & Grezzy: Big Chat podcast

July 5 • The latest episode is entitled 'Entertainment Post Bag and Talking with Dinosaurs'...


roal

Royal seal of approval for Scottish banding

July 5 • Scottish banding has been playing its part in welcoming the royals on their latest visit to the nation.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd