*
banner

BBE Conference details announced

Bramwell Tovey will provide the keynote speech to a free BBE Conference with the online theme 'Improving our Art'.

BBE Conference
  The Conference is being held online this year

Brass Bands England has revealed the details of its forthcoming annual Brass Band Conference.

The free on-line event, which will be live streamed on Saturday 25th September, will feature a keynote speech from Bramwell Tovey, as well as a diverse series of creative topics, speakers and performances under the collective theme of 'Improving our Art'.

Keynote lead

The event will open with a short performance by the St Helen's Youth Band, followed by keynote speaker, Bramwell Tovey, the inspirational Principal Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

It will be followed by an interactive discussion session tackling the conference topic, 'How do we improve our art?' facilitated by BBE's Sarah Baumann and Alex Parker.

After lunch, participants should have their instruments to hand for a fast-paced 10-minute masterclass with trombonist Carol Jarvis, which is sure to provide the perfect adrenaline boost ahead of the announcement of the winners of the Brass Band England Awards 2021.

Workshops

The afternoon 'Journey of Collaboration' workshop will be led by composer Liz Lane, before the event concludes with ae Panel Discussion on the theme of 'The Creative Case for Diversity' led by Arts Council England's Director of Diversity, Abid Hussain.

The day's events will be a mixture of live and pre-recorded content that will be free to access to all who register in advance.

Events will be streamed by BrassPass.tv with opportunity for those watching at home to send in questions and participate in workshops.

Free and accessible

A BBE spokesperson stated: "The Conference is for anyone and everyone with an interest in banding, with this year's topic, 'Improving our art', accessible to band players, managers, and conductors alike.

It is our opportunity as a community to come together (although still virtually) to celebrate what we do, network with others and hear from inspirational speakers within our sector."

The day's events will be a mixture of live and pre-recorded content that will be free to access to all who register in advance4BR

Book for free access

The Brass Band Conference is free to access for everyone, and recordings of the sessions will be available after the day's events.

Book your free place for the Conference via the BBE website: https://www.bbe.org.uk/civicrm/event/info%3Fid%3D194%26reset%3D1

https://www.bbe.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=192&reset=1

Timetable:

9.00am: AGM

This year's Brass Bands England (BBE) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held via Zoom, prior to the Brass Band Conference. Register your place on the BBE website.

10.30am: St Helen's Youth Brass Band Performance

10.40am: Introduction and Welcome from Brass Bands England's CEO Kenny Crookston

10.50am: Keynote Address from Bramwell Tovey

11.50am: An exciting announcement…

12.15pm: Facilitated Discussion — 'How do we improve our art?'

1.00pm: Lunch

1.45pm: 10-minute Masterclass with Carol Jarvis — Effective Warm Ups

1.55pm: Presentation of The Brass Band England Awards 2021 by BBE Chairman Mike Kilroy

2.20pm: A Journey of Collaboration with Liz Lane

3.10pm: Panel Discussion — The Creative Case for Diversity

4.20pm: Closing remarks from BBE Chairman Mike Kilroy

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    


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Cambrian Brass

June 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


East London Brass

June 1 • Solo Cornet : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd