Brass bands under threat due to snobbery, claims MP
The World Famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
AN MP has accused the Government of ‘snobbery’ in the Arts as Grimethorpe Brass Band reveals how it is struggling to survive.
Michael Dugher, the MP for Barnsley East, made his accusation following reports that the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band’s future is now under threat due to a lack of funding.
Last year, the Royal Opera House received over £26 million in Arts Council funding and the English National Ballet received nearly £6.4 million. This compares to just £23,000 for the British Federation of Brass Bands.
Mr Dugher said: “The current plight of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band highlights the very real financial pressures facing brass bands across the UK.
“Brass bands are an important part of our heritage, but when it comes to government funding and grants, they are clearly undervalued and under-appreciated. Last year, the Royal Opera House received over £26 million in Arts Council funding and the English National Ballet received nearly £6.4 million. This compares to just £23,000 for the British Federation of Brass Bands. More resources are being committed but it is a drop in the ocean compared to other arts.”
He continued: “Only snobbery at the heart of Whitehall can possibly explain why Brass Bands are not given the support they deserve compared to other branches of the arts. The Government must re-examine its priorities and look at how it can distribute funding more fairly.”
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Sunday 26 May 2013
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