*
banner

All smiles as bands gain Crowdfunder backing

Over 60 bands have had their coffers boosted to the tune over £80,000 plus as BBE backed Crowdfunder initiative proves to be huge hit.

sYKES
  The smile says it all...

The Brass Bands England backed #SaveOurBrassBands Crowdfunder Campaign has already helped over 60 community based bands to raise over £80,000 in much needed funds.

Huge success

The initiative which is backed by celebrity baritone player, model and broadcaster Melanie Sykes (above) was launched on November 17th and has proved to be a huge success at a time when bands have been unable to undertake their usual festive fund raising activities to back their summer income streams.

Hosted by Crowdfunder providing coaching free of charge, the #SaveOurBrassBands campaign has followed the same blueprint of success undertaken by the likes of #SaveOurVenues and #SaveOurTheatres, which have raised over £3 million and £1.3 million respectively.

Brass Bands that have joined the campaign have come from all corners of the UK, from Durham to Bournemouth, Gloucestershire to Hull — and at all levels, Championship Section to Youth.

High profile ambassador

Brass Bands England was delighted that Melanie Sykes agreed to become the high profile ambassador for the campaign which she has actively promoted herself through her own social media platforms.

Melanie commented: "For me, being in a brass band meant spending time with my family, being part of a community, learning how to present myself, exercise a bit of showmanship and, in competition, how to handle my nerves!"

The Crowdfunder Campaign has already helped over 60 community based bands to raise over £80,000 in much needed funds4BR

Great ideas

To supplement their fund raising activities many bands are offering a range of thoughtful rewards, which make for really special Christmas gifts for loved ones who've had a tough year, such as Shrewton Silver Band who are offering to perform Carols in front of your house (region specific) for a donation of £10.

Find out more

To find out more about the campaign and help support local community brass bands, go to: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-brass-bands

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    


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


gLYN AND hLEN

Busy January enjoyment for Williams duo

February 4 • Glyn and Helen Williams have enjoyed a busy start to 2026.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

February 5 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd