‘Friendly’ Rivalry supporting English Bands

A number of the England's leading bands have agreed to contribute towards the costs of the English representative attending the Europeans each year. Speaking about the initiative Mark Wilkinson (Principal Cornet and Chairman of Foden’s) commented, “Last month the Brighouse and Rastrick Band held a collection at one of their events to help contribute towards the costs of Foden's attending the Euro's in 2020. Following this very generous offer we thought it would be a welcomed gesture if a number of the country's leading bands made a financial commitment towards the English representative at the European Championships each year.

“Following conversations with the Band Management from Black Dyke, Brighouse, Grimethorpe, Faireys and Leyland these bands along with Foden's agreed, prior to the Nationals this year, that we would make a financial contribution to which ever band qualified. Sadly there is no funding available to help support the huge costs involved and despite members paying a contribution towards these costs bands still need to raise a substantial amount of money to help secure their attendance. 

“Despite the rivalry of the bands on contest day we are looking at ways how we can support each other and already have an active dialogue. If any other bands would wish to join this group please inform one of the respective bands. All the contributing bands would like to congratulate Black Dyke on securing an invitation to the Euros in 2021 and hope that our contributions will help their fund raising efforts.”

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