Brass Bands England has today revealed the winners of this year’s Brass Bands England Awards. The awards recognise individuals and organisations in the banding world that have made an exceptional contribution to brass banding. Be it through inspiring young people, tireless dedication, leading imaginative creative projects and collaborations, or bringing about positive social change.
Winners have been announced across seven award categories. These outstanding individuals and organisations have made a tremendous impact on brass banding in their communities and nationally.
Awards were presented in a ceremony at this year’s Brass Band Conference, held today at the LifeCentre in Sale, Greater Manchester, and joined by delegates both in-person and online. Awards were presented to each winner by influential trombone player and conference keynote speaker, Ian Bousfield.
Award nominations were collected from the banding community and general public and were judged by a panel of experts from across the banding sector, made up from the Brass Bands England Trustee team.
BBE Chair Mike Kilroy commented:
“On behalf of Brass Bands England, I was delighted to have the pleasure and honour of announcing the winners of this year’s Brass Bands England Awards. The nominations for these awards grow in number every year and it is truly wonderful that our brass band community wants to pay tribute to, and celebrate, the amazing achievements of so many people”.
And the winners are
Social Impact Award: Maggie Betts and Jane Nichols
Innovation Award: Derwent Brass
Band Project of the Year: Tracey McGuire & Femmes Fortissimo
Outstanding Contribution Award (18 and under): Leon Gill
Outstanding Contribution Award (over 18s): Andrew Straiton
Services to Youth Award: Lee Rigg
Lifetime Achievement Award: James Shepherd
To find out more about each award winner and their work, please visit the Brass Bands England Awards webpage.
Have your say at in the Brass Bands England Awards 2023
Do you know an individual or an organisation doing fantastic things in the world of banding that hasn't been recognised?
Nominations for the next Brass Bands England Awards will open in early 2023. If you wish to receive a link to the nomination form and full details of the award categories once nominations open, please complete the registration form with your contact details.