Bandstand Marathon

BFBB, together with the organisers of the Cultural Olympiad, is supporting the music development agency Superact to bring together brass bands, and other musicians, in a Bandstand Marathon.

 

The Bandstand Marathon first took place on the weekend of 27/28 September 2008 as part of the launch Open Weekend of the Cultural Olympiad. Throughout the South West of England, 50 concerts took place on 50 bandstands and performance areas from Cheltenham to Penzance and Bournemouth to Guernsey; showcasing great music in particular brass bands.

 

The Bandstand Marathon will take place over the years leading up to the 2012 Games and beyond. The Cultural Olympiad is a celebration of the cultures, people and languages in the UK and around the world; its four year programme kicked off on 26-28 September 2008 with a huge range of inspirational activities across the UK. While the Bandstand Marathon is primarily aimed at traditional brass bands, music from many other cultures will also be included. By 2012 it is hoped the whole country will be enjoying the experience that is the Bandstand Marathon.

Barnardo’s Brass Appeal

Barnardo’s Brass is a unique fund-raising initiative that aims to unite the musical heritage of one of the UK’s largest children’s’ charities with brass bands throughout Britain. BFBB is supporting the Barnardo’s Brass Appeal which officially launched on 1st January 2009

Dr. Thomas Barnardo was a true visionary in his acknowledgement of the benefits that music training and music making could bring to the young and deprived children in his homes. Today it is generally accepted as a means of developing the potential of all children whatever their background.

Historic archives show that Barnardo’s Homes originally located in East London had several marching bands, which played for the local community and on special occasions. The more talented musicians were chosen and formed into smaller ensembles called “Musical Boys”. They travelled throughout the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries raising much needed funds.

How can you help?

 By visiting the Barnardo’s Brass Appeal website

 By organising a fund-raising concert in aid of the Barnardo’s Brass Appeal

 By attending a fund-raising concert in aid of the Barnardo’s Brass Appeal

The organisers of the Barnardo’s Brass Appeal will be happy to help with the development of your event ideas and can support you in a number of ways. Previous Barnardo’s Brass Appeal concerts have helped to develop new partnerships between a number of organisations who see the value of the project.