*
banner

Brass Band England Awards made in London

From the Young Bandsperson to Lifetime Achievement accolades were presented to a host of outstanding winners at the Brass Band Conference.

NYBBGB
  The annual awards were made at the Conference in London

Brass Bands England (BBE) made it annual award presentations at its Brass Band Conference in London on the weekend.

They recognised individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the banding world, and covered a number of different categories — including a Young Bandsperson to Lifetime Achievement accolades.

Awards

The 'Band Project of the Year' winner, supported by rooms4groups, was the 'I Can Play! With Brass Roots' initiative run by Shepherd Group Brass Band

It came from a collaboration between the band and a national charity. Families from across the York Deaf community were invited to join Brass Roots for an introduction into brass banding, which provided inclusive opportunities for deaf and hearing players alike.

Sarah Woodward of Kirkbymoorside Band was presented with the 'Brass Band Conductor Award', supported by the Brass Band Conductors Association. Sarah has been leading the band, now in the Championship Section, for over 20 years with a decade also dedicated to their Junior Section.

The new 'Green Hero Award' went to the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain for their 'Fragile Earth' collaboration. It saw them work closely with the Wildlife Trust, one of the country's leading conservation charities and also saw the commissioning of a new work from renowned composer Sir Karl Jenkins CBE.

Kathleen Harrison who has given well over 40 years of dedicated service to the Elland Band organisation was presented with the 'Outstanding Contribution Award' recognising her role in helping it become one of the country's largest banding organisations, boasting over 120 members and operating six brass bands.

Young Bandsperson

The 'Young Bandsperson Award', supported by ABRSM, went to the quite remarkable Jasmine Cosgrove, who has overcome homelessness to follow her passion for music making.

She even had to sell her drum kit and despite numerous hardships, has remained dedicated to her commitment to Macclesfield Youth Brass Band, making the 24-mile round trip to practice, concerts and competitions.

She has continued to explore new music and even a new instrument — most recently switching to the glockenspiel.

The Awards grow with each year, and it's wonderful to continually see the passion the banding community has for the people, projects and organisations that make our sector so specialBBE

Jock and Frank

The 'Services to Youth Award' went to Jock McKenzie, who since 1987, as a teacher composer and arranger has been an inspirational figure in so many different ways to so many youngsters.

Finally, the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' was presented to Frank Renton, marking a polymath musical career that at all times set out to comminate his passion for the brass band movement — as a major contesting winning conductor to a BBC broadcaster.

Special

Speaking about the awards Brass Bands England's COO, Sarah Baumann, said: "The Awards grow with each year, and it's wonderful to continually see the passion the banding community has for the people, projects and organisations that make our sector so special."

Meanwhile, speaking about Frank Renton's Lifetime Achievement Award, Brass in Concert CEO Nigel Stevens commented: "Frank is a man who has inspired, challenged and encouraged so many people. His contribution to banding represents someone who is genuinely one of the few 'maestros' of our genre."

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Croy Silver Band

July 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but always welcomes enquiries for any section of the band.


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd