Sponsorship
The band is a self-supporting registered charity. With an active playing schedule, the band earns money through concert fees and collections. However with a relatively modest charging rate it is always a struggle to make ends meet. The band is fortunate to have its own band room, but of course this also brings ongoing financial demands - in addition to the usual costs such as utility bills, contest fees, instrument maintenance, insurance and travel.
The band was fortunate to win lottery support in 1998, and replaced ageing instruments with a brand new set. In 1992 an award from the National Foundation for Youth Music enabled us to buy additional instruments for the training band. In 2006 the training band has had tremendous financial support from the Cheshire Youth Federation, DATS, Chester Lions and Chester Round Table. This has enabled the training band to purchase additional instruments, expand their tuition scheme and range of activities it can take part in. The Youth Federation have also supported the development and implementation of a child protection policy, including CRB checks and training for key induviduals.
Looking to the future the band has a range of sponsorship opportunities available to interested parties. Support can take the form of direct equipment purchase, which can be branded, through to access to photocopying, website costs, coach hire - and more.
In return for support, the band commits to work with the sponsor to promote their sponsorship, with the additional opportunity of more direct musical links and activities.
Some of our sponsors have included
We've also received instruments no longer required, via the instrument amnesty scheme run by The National Foundation for Youth Music, as well as direct donations.
So what do you do now? The first step is to see the band in action, and chat things over - start small, all help is welcomed. Collectors are always needed when the band plays in town for example. Register for our eNews, or contact us to discuss things in more detail.
Sponsorship is a great way of supporting the band; and is by no means a one way ticket. You and your company will also gain from working together with the band.
In turn the band fosters community links; through the Training Band (instruments, tuition etc), supporting local events (Mickle Tafford Well Dressing), civic events (Lord Mayor's Parade, Remembrance Sunday), and since 2003 the band has partnered with a number of charities, including The Hospice of The Good Shepherd and the Let's Go club (Halton)in fund-raising events
