Brass at the Seaside returns to St Anne’s Bandstand, Lytham, across Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July 2025, bringing a full weekend of open-air brass music back to the Fylde Coast. The event is free to attend and continues to grow as a summer staple in the North West’s brass banding calendar.
The venue — a Grade II listed bandstand within the Promenade Gardens and just metres from St Anne’s Pier — offers a picturesque backdrop for a broad mix of ensembles, with a full programme across three days. From seasoned championship section performers to vibrant youth groups, the event celebrates the full spectrum of brass banding.
Supported by Lancashire Music Service, the lead organisation for the Lancashire Music Hub, the festival is co-organised by Helen Minshall, well-known throughout the banding community as a champion of youth development and the driving force behind countless grassroots initiatives.
“Brass at the Seaside just gets better every year,” says Helen. “It’s a great chance to showcase the breadth of our community — and enjoy a proper weekend of banding by the sea.”
A Platform for young players
In keeping with the event’s development focus, a bonus day on Friday 11 July will feature a Brass Foundations Schools' Music Day at AKS Lytham, where pupils involved in Whole Class Instrumental Tuition across Lancashire will come together to rehearse and perform in massed ensembles. Headed up by Helen, in her role as Youth Brass Development Specialist for Brass Bands England, the day is designed to encourage players nearing the end of their WCET year to continue their journey — ideally into local youth and senior bands.
“We want to give young players a reason to stick with it,” says Helen. “Playing alongside others, tackling some exciting repertoire, and working toward a live performance — it all builds the enthusiasm that keeps kids playing.”
Part of Brass Band Week
Brass at the Seaside is part of BBE’s National Brass Band Week (5–13 July 2025), now in its second year. Bands across the country are invited to join the movement by putting on their own events to celebrate the reach and relevance of banding in communities nationwide. Events can then be registered as part of the Week.
With its mix of seasoned performers, emerging talent and seafront spectacle, Brass at the Seaside is a shining example of how accessible, inclusive and joyful banding can be.