*
banner

How to keep ahead of the VAT man...

Brass Bands England's latest webinar is essential viewing for those who need to know just what VAT is about. And its free!

VAT
  The free seminar will tell you all you need to know...

Brass Bands England has teamed up with experts from vatadvice.org to bring the free VAT information session.

Cultural exemption

The webinar will take place on Monday 14th March at 7.00pm and will explore the various elements of cultural exemption as well as other financial benefits that can be accessed by bands.

Bands likely to be affected by this are encouraged to attend the webinar, which has the potential to provide widespread financial benefits.

All this and the session is FREE to BBE members and non-members.

Topics covered

Webinar content will cover:

Reclaiming VAT on expenditure

VAT and ticket sales

Implications for grants, sponsorship and donations

Cultural exemption — what constitutes a cultural service?

Exemption for education or training

What can go wrong? How to avoid mistakes

Important considerations for submission to HMRC

All this and the session is FREE to BBE members and non-members4BR

VAT expert

The session will be led by VAT consultant and expert Les Howard.

Brass Bands England, CEO, Kenny Crookston, told 4BR: "In bringing together the various strands of the 2022 European Brass Band Festival (EBBF), BBE sought advice on VAT registration from Les Howard."

Les has previously worked extensively with BBE partners at Making Music UK and has delivered information sessions to their members for a number of years.

As a result of Les's advice, the EBBF will now be delivered through a separate company, BBE Events Ltd., which will be VAT registered in line with the VAT rules and the nature of the income.

Kenny added: "I hope that this information session will be able to provide bands with the relevant guidance to meet regulations whilst also benefiting from cultural exemption opportunities."

Register:

Register: https://www.bbe.org.uk/civicrm/event/info/293

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    


swbba

Results: 2026 SWBBA Contest

November 8 • Tongwynlais Temperance claims the cross border honours in Torquay with section wins for Weston Brass, St. Pinnock, Pendennis Brass, St. Austell Youth and Hatherleigh Training.


SBBBa

Result: 2026 SBBBA Borders Entertainment Contest

November 8 • Jedforest Instrumental claim the honours in Galashiels.


siddis

Results: 2026 Siddis Championships

November 8 • Manger become Norway's top entertainers for the first time since 2021, with section wins for Gjallarhorn, Bergen Brass, Oster Brass and Randaberg.


Spring Festival

Change in judging teams for 2027 Spring Festival

November 5 • A conflict of interest sees Dr Robert Childs step down from his Grand Shield adjudication appointment, with Col David Barringer now taking Senior Cup roll.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.Playing with us does not impact on your band. We meet in our bandroom at 11am it is all free including refreshments


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd