Birmingham prepares to welcome bands for EBBF
Officials in Birmingham have extended a warm welcome to all participants and audiences travelling to the city this weekend for the European Brass Band Festival 2022. With ten events taking place across four days, and almost 70 bands featuring within the Festival, this once-in-a-decade event has been recognised by Arts Council England as 'nationally significant'.
Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Muhammad Afzal, commented: “I am delighted to welcome all bands, officials and lovers of brass band music to the city of Birmingham for the 2022 European Brass Band Festival. The Festival presents a unique opportunity for us all to enjoy a celebration of brass music from musicians of all standards and experience. I am very much looking forward to witnessing school and community groups, from the Birmingham area and beyond, appearing at the same event as the finest bands from across Europe, in this wonderful festival of music in our vibrant city.
“2022 is, of course, a very special year for Birmingham. We will also host the Commonwealth Games from 28 July to 8 August, with a rich programme of cultural events already underway across the West Midlands. We hope that you have a rewarding experience and that you are able to visit us again, either for the Games or future events at Town Hall, Symphony Hall or on Centenary Square.”
The addition of the recently announced #ThisIsBanding Outdoor Stage, sponsored by Besson, will offer an excellent opportunity to showcase many bands from the city and the wider region, including Birmingham Citadel Band, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Band, and the Royal Spa Brass Oompah Band.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Music and the arts have always been an important part of life here in the West Midlands as well as for me personally. So, I’m really pleased to hear that our region will be showcasing the very best in brass band talent at our acclaimed Symphony Hall and Town Hall venues. May I extend a warm West Midlands welcome to the many musicians from across Europe and I hope they enjoy their stay, taking full advantage of our world renowned hospitality. I’m also thrilled to learn that there will be plenty of local musical participation including Sandwell’s Langley Band, City of Birmingham Brass Band, and of course a diverse range of school bands.”
Alongside the free outdoor performances, EBBF’s ticketed concerts and the European Brass Band Championships will take place in Birmingham’s esteemed Town Hall and Symphony Hall venues.
Nick Reed, the Chief Executive Officer of B:Music, said: "Symphony Hall has long been a likely and welcoming home for brass bands and our team are delighted to be showcasing them by hosting this important and large-scale international event. I'm looking forward to welcoming a wide range of exceptional performing groups to our venues for our audiences to enjoy. I'm certain that everyone who attends will discover something new and find something to be inspired by."
Finally Kenny Crookston, CEO of the event organiser, Brass Bands England, commented: “It’s great to see this event back on English soil. Birmingham is an important home for banding and we are thrilled to be hosted by Symphony Hall and Town Hall, to bring you the very best brass bands alongside their excellent season of concerts. I hope this event gives new audiences a chance to come and discover brass music - you won’t be disappointed!”
Limited tickets are still available via the B:music website.
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