The second annual 'Brass Bands Week' is to run from the 5th — 13th July, with more than 100 bands expected to participate across the country.

It will be heralded by the BBE 'Youth Fest' in North London on Friday 4th July, whilst from 30th June — 18th July, the sound of bands will be heard in the annual 'Proms in the Playground' initiative.

The full list of events in Brass Band Week can be found at: https://bbe.band/bbw-events

Fantastic spectacle

'Brass Band Week' celebrates the engagement of bands within their community with the fantastic spectacle of over 200 youngsters heralding it arrival taking place at the BBE 'Youth Fest' in London.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This event is all about encouraging youngster to express themselves through music, connect with others, and have fun performing together.

Seven local bands and around 200 children aged 5 — 11, will be taking part in workshops before opening up to the public with two hour-long performances. The event offers young players a taster of the great British tradition of brass band competitions, but in a friendly, non-competitive environment."

Proms in the Playground

Meanwhile, 'Proms in the Playground' partners bands with their local schools with the aims of introducing children to brass music and the possibility of joining their local band and has been a huge success.

Now in its fourth year, it encourages community bands to connect with their local schools by offering a performance in their playground. Brass Bands England help to facilitate the links between bands and schools, and provides free learning resources, focused around Key Stage 2.

Any event across the whole of the UK featuring brass bands or brass playing can sign up for Brass Band Week.

As well as support from BBE, including free learning resources and paid advertising, prizes will be awarded for excellence in areas such as community impact, artistic programming, innovation or inspiring the younger generation.

Any event across the whole of the UK featuring brass bands or brass playing can sign up for Brass Band Week4BR

UK wide

Speaking about the events, BBE Chairperson Michael Kilroy said: "Imagine a UK-wide festival of exciting brass band events for people of different ages, backgrounds and interests, offering the opportunity for new audiences to discover the joy of a brass band through hundreds of events in parks, concert halls and on local high streets.

Now that's something I'd love to be a part of!

Such a success

Meanwhile, Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, added: "Last year's Brass Band Week has been such a success, and I know it will continue to grow in future years thanks to the work of Brass Bands England, one of the many music organisations we're proud to have increased our investment in over recent years."

To find out more to go: www.bbe.org.uk/bbw