BBE launch Banding Memories social media campaign

Brass Bands England is encouraging brass musicians to share their banding memories, old and new, as part of a social media campaign celebrating the world of brass banding.

You can take part by submitting photographs of your return to banding, or fond memories from previous years, stand-out contest performances and memorable concerts.

To kick off the campaign, BBE has teamed up with photographer Kerry Harrison to showcase some excellent and emotive images of brass banding in action.

Kerry’s photographs are part of a wider photographic project titled Neither Work Nor Leisure, in which he documented the wide-ranging activities of BBE members the Old Silkstone Band over a period of 16 months.

BBE and Kerry have been sharing a memory every Thursday via the Brass Bands England Instagram page. So far, we’ve enjoyed seeing images of the Whit Friday contest, Boxing Day marches, and brass bands out and about in all weathers.

Share your #BandingMemories

You can join in by sharing your favourite banding memories, old and new, by submitting your photos and the stories behind them.

For those that take part, there’s a chance to win some smartphone photography equipment so that you can capture snaps of your band wherever you go.

To take part, post your pictures on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, including the hashtag #BandingMemories up until the deadline of 30 July 2021. From the entries, one winning photographer will be chosen by Kerry. The best images will also be shared via the BBE Instagram page.

Kerry Harrison, the photographer who inspired the campaign, said:

“It’s been great to work with Brass Bands England to share my photographs more widely. They’re all about documenting the hard work, dedication and multi-generational aspects of one band in particular, but I’d love to see banding through the perspective of your band.

We’ve already seen some photo submissions from players sharing images of previous banding events, favourite outdoor performing spots, and even little ones’ very first Whit Friday contents!

As everyone gets back to banding, it will be amazing to see new memories being made as well as look back at some of our favourite shared moments.”

Find out more on the BBE website, see the Neither Work Nor Leisure project, or read the latest guidance on getting back to banding.