Newstead brass band facing insolvency ahead of 50th anniversary

Newstead Brass is made up of a mixture of mostly amateur musicians

A leading Nottinghamshire brass band is facing the prospect of insolvency due to rising costs and fewer bookings.

Newstead Brass, based in Hucknall, was created from the original Newstead Colliery Band, which began in 1974.

However, the 27-piece band is running out of cash to pay for its rehearsal space and the staff who lead the musicians.

It is hoping to raise £3,000 from its Christmas campaign to keep the band afloat throughout its anniversary year.

Alex Seedhouse, manager of the band, said: "The cost-of-living crisis has hit all of us this year individually but it's also impacted the band.

"We've had a reduced number of concert bookings and that basically keeps us, as a community organisation, going."

The band is due to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024

He said the £3,000, combined with earnings from upcoming festive performances, would be enough to keep the band together next year for its 50th anniversary.

"We're hoping, like everybody else, the cost-of-living crisis impact will reduce over time and next year we have a plan in place to try and get ourselves balanced again," Mr Seedhouse said.

The band is made up of a mixture of mostly amateur musicians and rehearses at St Wilfrid's Church Hall in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

They have day jobs that include paramedics, civil servants and an undertaker.

Mr Seedhouse said without the money, the band would likely fold.

"Music really is a language that has no barrier, everyone can appreciate music, we obviously enjoy playing together but we want to share that with people," he said.

"The funding really is crucial for us to keep going.

"We've never been in a position where we've had to launch something like this before.

"It really is a make it or break it moment for us."

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