Update for BBE Member Bands: Making Music membership changes & BBE’s new insurance offer

As part of Brass Bands England’s ongoing work to ensure member bands receive the most relevant, high-quality support, we are announcing an important change to the Making Music (MM) membership previously provided through BBE.

Automatic Making Music Membership ending on 1 January

From 1 January, the automatic Making Music membership included with BBE Organisational Membership will come to an end. Bands wishing to retain their MM membership beyond this date will need to arrange this directly with Making Music.

We encourage any band that finds MM’s services beneficial — such as event guidance or music group support — to continue their membership with MM independently.

BBE would like to extend sincere thanks to Making Music for their partnership and support over the past seven years. Their service has provided many bands with valuable tools and advice, and we wish the organisation continued success in supporting music groups across the UK.

Introducing BBE’s new tailored insurance for brass bands

This change comes as BBE launches a new, flexible BBE Insurance Scheme, developed specifically in response to feedback from member bands.

Many groups told us they wanted insurance that was simpler, more customisable, and reflective of how brass bands actually operate—particularly youth or community groups with limited staff or specialised needs.

To meet this demand, BBE has partnered with Brass Band Insurance Services (BBIS), with policies underwritten by Aviva, to give bands a more personalised and cost-effective insurance option.

Why this new insurance scheme is a better fit for bands

Tailored to you
Not every band needs the same type or level of cover. Whether you’re a youth band, a contesting ensemble or a community group, you can select only what’s relevant - so you’re never paying for insurance you don’t use.

Better value for members
Example: A band with

• £5m Public Liability
• £10m Employer’s Liability
• £125,000 of instruments/equipment
• £2,000 cash cover (with no single-item limit)

could pay around £670 per year (including Insurance Premium Tax) - that’s lower than many previous options, with even greater flexibility.

Bands that don’t require Employer’s Liability, or have smaller equipment sums insured, can save even more.

No unnecessary limits
Our policies offer enhanced protection for your most valuable assets - including no single-item limit on instruments, so all of your brass instruments and percussion setup can be properly covered.

Personal cover for members
Band members can also use the scheme to insure personal items, including musical instruments or other valuables. This means your own equipment, not just band-owned instruments, can be protected under the same flexible terms through a personal policy.

Designed with brass bands in mind
This partnership exists because brass bands told us what they needed. It’s built on genuine understanding of how our member bands operate - from rehearsals and concerts to community events and touring.

The BBIS dedicated team already supports a number of BBE member bands and brings long-standing experience in the musical and performing arts sector.

Luke Stevenson, Director at BBIS, commented: “Brass Band Insurance Services has proudly supported the brass band community for many years, and we’re thrilled to partner with BBE to strengthen our ongoing commitment to its members. Through our collaboration with Aviva, BBE members can enjoy tailored insurance that ensures they only pay for the cover they truly need. Our conversations with BBE have highlighted our shared values—putting people first and delivering the best possible outcomes and service to those we support.”

Example pricing scenarios

We’ll share some illustrative examples so bands can see how competitive the new scheme is - while ensuring every quote is bespoke to your circumstances.

These examples are for guidance only and are inclusive of Insurance Premium Tax - every quote is bespoke to your band’s requirements.

How to get a quote

You need a BBE Organisational Membership for insurance pertaining to your whole band; BBE Individual Members (and Organisational Members) can access individual insurance offers.

1. Contact our insurance partner BBIS via the BBE Musicians Insurance form. Provide your band’s details, membership number and estimated equipment value. Alternatively, call BBIS via 01246 382 261 where their specialist team will be more than happy to assist you.
2.  Once your BBE membership is confirmed, you will receive your tailored quote directly from BBIS, usually within a few days.

Why we’re doing this

Our goal is simple: to give BBE members more choice, better value, and protection that genuinely reflects the realities of brass banding.

By working closely with BBIS - with policies underwritten by Aviva - we can keep costs down while maintaining high standards of cover and service - and ensure that more of your resources go where they belong.

Ready to protect your band, your way?

Access your discounted insurance

Or contact us at member@bbe.org.uk for any questions.

Brass Band Insurance Services is a trading name of Adler Fairways Insurance Brokers Limited. Adler Fairways Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under Registration Number 309236. Adler Fairways Insurance Brokers Limited is registered in England and Wales under registration number 04525948. Our registered address is Number 22 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AS. 303240