#SaveOurBrassBands reaches a Christmas milestone

Brass bands saw their main source of income disappear in an instant when they had to stop putting on performances in March in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. A significant loss in income over the summer months, paired with necessary expenditure needed to make rehearsal spaces Covid-compliant has put many brass bands into a perilous financial situation.

Brass Band England stepped up to help by introducing their Brass Band community to the concept of Crowdfunding to raise much needed funds, with partner Crowdfunder hosting the campaign and providing fundraising coaching free of charge.

After a four week period, the campaign has reached the milestone amount of over £100,000(and rising), with all of the donations going directly to bands. Over 70 individual bands have been involved in the fundraising campaign which has topped 2,000 supporters.

In the final weeks of the campaign the #SaveOurBrassBands campaign has reached media on a national scale with many appearances on community, local and national radio alongside two appearances on BBC One television reaching an audience of over a million people.

BBE’s Education and Development Co-ordinator Sarah Baumann commented: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, and to have been a part of supporting the campaign. Seeing bands come together and support each other throughout this period has been fantastic, and seeing the £100k total is a great way to finish a difficult year for all of us.”

Some individual bands projects are continuing into the new year so please continue to support your local bands by visiting https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-brass-bands