Welcome to the Brass Band Podcast: Archive Edition! In this 6-part series, we'll be diving into the fascinating history of brass banding, from its origins and traditions to the modern innovations and fantastic music that have shaped this remarkable culture.

To kick things off, in this episode hosts Sarah Baumann & Kenny Crookston introduce the Brass Bands Archive, a central repository for the history of brass banding, catalogued by BBE and housed at Heritage Quay at the University of Huddersfield. We hear from BBE's archivist, Danni, and dedicated volunteers John and Lesley about the wonders and challenges of preserving and recording this incredible collection.

Sarah and Kenny also share their own journeys in brass banding, from their early beginnings to their current roles at Brass Bands England. They discuss the importance of the archive in preserving an accurate portrayal of the culture for future generations, as well as the exciting future of brass banding as a diverse and thriving community.

Tune in to hear about original manuscripts, the joys of uncovering forgotten treasures, and how you can get involved in the Brass Bands Archive. And don't miss our next episode, where we'll be diving into the world of brass band contesting!

So, whether you're a seasoned brass band aficionado or just curious, this podcast has something for everyone. Tune in and discover the world of brass banding — like never before!

For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast.

To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.

Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann

Episode Guests: Danielle Spargo, John Grayson & Lesley Lewis

Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann