Announcement from the UK Leading Bands Forum
The inaugural meeting of the UK Leading Bands Forum (UKLBF) took place in Birmingham on 10th November, 2023. Attended by representatives from 15 of the 16 founding member bands which are ranked in the top 16 in the UK, the meeting focussed on discussions around the purpose of the group and its remit to work in collaboration with existing organisations.
Leading the Change. The group has settled on the title of ‘Leading Bands’ as opposed to ‘Elite Band’ to impress its desire to be a collective voice for all bands, aiming to lead dialogue with key decision makers in the banding movement. This is not to be an organisation just for the benefit of the UK’s top ranked bands. To ensure all geographical regions are included, an invitation to join the group has been accepted by Friary Band (London and Southern Counties) and EverReady Band (North of England).
With values of transparency, inclusion and constructive thought the UKLBF will develop a plan to take the issues that impact bands directly to the event organisers, and other key decision makers and organisations (such as, but not limited to, BBE, SBBA, AoBBA, Regional & Local Committees, Kapitol Promotions, BiC, The British Open), inviting input from all UK bands through open channels of communication and liaising directly with appointed founding member bands.
The importance of building stronger banding connections and communities throughout all the sections was discussed and a strategy will be developed to action this point. The agreed mission statement is: "The UKLBF seeks to work in cooperation with decision makers at all levels on areas of mutual benefit directly affecting the current and future promotion and development of major contests and events." A working party from the founding member bands was elected which will start to mould the future direction of the Forum. A spokesperson for the group said, “The meeting, and the spirit in which it was held, felt like a real breath of fresh air. It was inspiring to have so many bands in attendance, but unlike a contest day where we are all locked in friendly rivalry, we were able to talk open-mindedly, honestly and collaboratively which gave a real sense of community, solidarity and togetherness between us all. We are very hopeful that our group can do much good in building a stronger future for banding.”
The meeting closed with several action points which will be reported on at the next meeting on 13th December, after which further information on the structure and plans of the UKLBF will be announced.
Members of the UK Leading Bands Forum:
Aldbourne Band
Black Dyke Band
Brighouse and Rastrick Band
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band
Cory Band
EverReady Band
Flowers Band
Foden’s Band
Friary Brass Band
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
GUS Band
Hammonds Band
Leyland Band
Rothwell Band
The cooperation band
Tredegar Town Band
WFEL Fairey Band
Whitburn Band
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