Bathgate Silica Sand helps Lions Youth Brass go for gold at the 2019 European Brass Band Championships

Bathgate Silica Sand are thrilled to support Lions Youth Brass as they prepare to compete in the 2019 EuroBrass Championships in Montreux, Switzerland.

For over 25 years, Lions Youth Brass, a registered charity, has enabled hundreds of children aged five to 18 years to play and perform brass or percussion instruments in beginners, junior or youth bands. Currently there are around 120 members, all from different backgrounds, and all are provided with musical instruments, tuition and support. They practice every Tuesday evening at Sandbach School.

The children perform and compete at the highest levels. Following their recent success at the 2018 Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, they will represent England at the 6th European Youth Brass Band Championships in April 2019.

Jane Stubbs, Chairperson of the Youth Band at Lions said, “This is a huge honour and opportunity for Lions Youth Brass but, most importantly, for the children to play at the very highest level at such a prestigious event.”

Lions Youth Brass rely on annual support received from local Lions and Rotary Clubs, as well as funds raised from concerts, fund raising events and membership. However, the cost of getting their 43 band members, conductor, committee members and parent helpers to the event is a staggering £25,000! Therefore, Bathgate Silica Sand’s pledge of support and sponsorship has been very well received.


“It is a relationship we’re keen to develop further given our shared wish to support local children and see them grow and succeed both in the band and out,” says Nigel Birch, Conductor of the Youth Band (pictured).

Andy Brookes, representative from the Bathgate Group and former Sandbach School student, delivered the cheque for £550 to the Lions Youth Band. “Lions Youth Brass enables children from a wide range of backgrounds not only to access musical training, but to reach standards of excellence. This is great for the children, but also for the local community. We are very pleased to support this charity, and we want to extend our congratulations to the Lions and wish them the best of luck in April’s international tournament!”

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