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The Big Blow

A spectacular event is being planned to create the largest brass band ever to perform in public.  In addition to the satisfaction of achieving the record it is also heart-warming to know that all proceeds from the event are being contributed to the Brass Band Aid charity fund.

The brainchild of Jon Handley of R & J Handley Uniforms, this exciting venture promises to be a great family, fun event.  “The Big Blow” will take place on Saturday 20 January 2007 as part of the Mineworkers Brass Band Festival weekend held at the Butlins Resort in Skegness. 

“The resort facilities and the ever increasing popularity of this weekend contest made it the perfect venue to host this exciting record attempt.  We’re looking forward to welcoming all the bandspeople already attending the contest, but are also proposing arrangements for day visitors to be part of this momentous event.” commented Jon Handley.

It is hoped that a final total of approximately 2,000 players will take part to secure the record for years to come.  However, the organisers are determined that the key focus of this event is the fund-raising they are hoping to achieve to support the worthy charity work of Brass Band Aid.

“This innovative idea is a welcomed addition to the schedule of the brass band competition weekend in Skegness.  It brings a whole new dynamic to the proceedings and Butlins are fully committed to doing everything we can to make it the success it deserves to be” said Steve Walker of the Butlins Resort, Skegness.

The Big Blow organisers are delighted with the support they have already secured from a number of companies, ensuring this event will be one to remember by everyone involved.  Butlins are providing the venue with all the necessary staffing and The Music Company (UK) Ltd are donating a new musical work specially written by Andrew Duncan for Saturday’s performance.  A collection of official merchandise for the event will be produced by R & J Handley and Tor Designs and Just Brass are donating a website at www.thebigblow.co.uk, to enable interested players to obtain all the information they need to be part of this significant occasion.  There are also plans to produce a DVD of the whole event, providing a timeless account of the record attempt.

Clair Tomalin of Just Brass and The Music Company commented: “Jon Handley’s vision for this project has been inspirational.  I was delighted to be asked to assist in the setting up of the event, and I truly believe that with the combined experience and enthusiasm of the organising team this could be a landmark event for raising funds for the Brass Band Aid charity.”

The third member of the team, Bob Thompson of Brass Band Aid, was pleased to announce that there are also plans afoot to launch The Big Blow in style, including a Gala Concert on the Friday evening with a performance from the Brass Band Aid Celebrity Band.

This is definitely an event of a grand scale and one of which every brass bandsperson should feel compelled to be a part.  By contributing to this fun moment of history, it is overwhelming how much could be achieved to help others.  Registration forms and further information will be available at www.thebigblow.co.uk shortly.