BLACKBURN and Darwen Brass Band has launched an appeal ahead of Christmas to raise money for much-needed instruments.
A campaign for the B&D ‘Big Tuba’ Appeal aims to raise £14,000.
The group said, “All brass bands, like many arts organisations, saw their main source of income disappear in an instant when they ceased being able to perform in March 2019 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Last December, we took on a new approach offering socially distant carols outside people’s homes. It was a roaring success and brought Christmas joy to the local community and gave us some much-needed revenue.
“With your amazing support this meant that the band survived and we are pleased to report that we have a full team of players who are, once again, striving for musical excellence, preparing to perform for you.”
The band was performing at the Blackburn Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday along with Gareth Malone and his choir. It will also be seen on BBC2 on Christmas Eve at 9pm.
The band met up with Gareth Malone, choirmaster and broadcaster, during a rehearsal ahead of the Blackburn Christmas Lights Switch on.
Formed in 1840, the group is one of the oldest brass bands in the country.
The junior band is back rehearsing and performing within the community and new members have been added. The Crowdfunder campaign has already seen £8,000 pledged.
The band said: “A tuba alone costs over £7,000 and we are delighted to have raised over £8,000 with the help of a National Emergency Fund match-funding. We have now enabled stretch funding to raise money for more instruments.
“The current Eb basses, of which there are two, are both over 20 years old and badly in need of repair and, in fact, need replacing.
“The Tuba, or Eb Bass as it is known in the brass band world, is a noble instrument producing power and strength in the lower range of brass instruments.
“It can also offer moments of pure expression as well as comedic elements when needed. In the right hands, it is a majestic instrument.
“Our intention is to purchase a new tuba and, after repairing the old one, pass it down to a junior band member to use.”
The band will be performing at the Blackburn Christmas light switch on Saturday along with Gareth Malone and his choir. They will also be able to seen on BBC2 on Christmas Eve at 9pm.
You can support the campaign here
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