Written question asked by Baroness Keeley (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 December 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 December 2023 (named day). It was answered by John Whittingdale (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 December 2023 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Brass Bands

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department holds data on the number of community brass bands in England in (a) 2003, (b) 2010, (c) 2013, (d) 2019 and (e) 2023.

Answer: The Department does not hold data on the numbers of community brass bands in England. Our arm’s-length body Arts Council England funds a number of brass band organisations, but does not maintain a category solely for ‘community brass bands’. The brass band organisations it funds includes two nationwide organisations: the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and Brass Bands England. Brass Bands England promotes, represents, and supports brass bands across England, and will be able to provide information about the number of community brass bands operating.

Secondary information