The Association of Band Traders has announced its support of a new website initiative for the Brass Band Archives.

Behind the initiative is Jon Handley of Handley Band Uniforms, and the Butlins Mineworkers Brass Band Festival later this month will be used to as the launch event.

Exhibition space

The Association is donating exhibition space to the archives organisation, enabling them to present some of the historically significant brass band memorabilia they have in their care.

Euphonium prize

The Brass Band Archives exhibition will also be running a special fund-raising prize draw throughout the weekend with a brand new euphonium, donated by Virtuosi Ltd, as the impressive prize.

The Association is donating exhibition space to the archives organisation, enabling them to present some of the historically significant brass band memorabilia they have in their careBrass Band Traders

New website

The money raised will go towards the creation and future updating of a new website for the organisation created by Just Brass Media Services, together with future support and promotion of this extraordinary collection of brass banding heritage.

Into the 21st Century

Bringing the Brass Band Archives into the 21st Century the Brass Band Archives is a voluntary organisation and for anyone who has visited the treasure-trove in Wigan, it forms an integral part of brass banding history.

For many, it is possible that you were unaware that the archives even existed, and this forms the basis of why it was felt that a website could be an ideal means of promoting the organisation and bringing more attention to its substantial collection of the movement’s heritage.

Historical work

"The Brass Band Archives are unparalleled in their historical work and it is critical that such a collection of artefacts, memorabilia and items of notable brass band historical interest are protected for the future," commented Clair Tomalin, Secretary of The Association of Band Traders.

Win a euphonium

Virtuosi England Ltd has shown its support by offering a brand new 4-valve euphonium for a prize-draw. Tickets can be obtained throughout the weekend from the Brass Band Archives display stand.

Virtuosi England Ltd

Shawn Pagington of Virtuosi commented: "By offering the Euphonium as a prize, we are hoping that the visiting public will make the most of the opportunity to support such a worthy organisation, whilst at the same time being in with the chance of adding an impressive instrument to their band’s line up.”

Visit The Brass Band Archives At Butlins

The Brass Band Archives will have a dedicated stand at the Butlins contest in Skegness. There will be a display of memorabilia and custodian Walter Ainscough will also be there to meet visitors. Everyone is invited to visit and enjoy a little taste of brass banding history!

Addition

Jon Handley commented: "The addition of the Brass Band Archives display will bring a refreshing addition to the tradeshow area."

With the support of Just Brass Media Services offering to create and maintain the website, The Association of Band Traders look forward to welcoming you to Butlins, the tradeshow and the Brass Band Archives display stand, and hope that you will enjoy this innovative project.