University saves 150-year-old brass band facing closure

The University of Leicester has helped a 150-year-old brass band find a new home, after its future was threatened due to losing its rehearsal base.

Enderby Band – one of the biggest brass band organisations in the country – was left homeless when its previous rehearsal space next to Huncote Leisure Centre in Leicestershire was closed due to high methane levels in the area. Fearing it could result in the end of the band, organisers made a public appeal for help.

After hearing the band’s plea, the University offered them a rehearsal space at Stamford Court in Oadby. The space will accommodate the senior band and provide them with the sound requirements and accessibility they need.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester said: “The University of Leicester has a proud tradition of working with local communities and using higher education as a force for good. We’re committed to supporting local projects and groups, such as the Enderby Band, and I’m delighted that our facilities will help to secure the future of an organisation that has brought joy to so many people for so many years.”

Martin Miller, Head of Campus Services at the University of Leicester said: “We’re really pleased to be able to provide Enderby Band with a space that will allow them to continue their music. We constantly strive to find ways to help our local community and we’re keen to encourage other clubs and organisations to make use of our fantastic buildings and facilities.”

Garry Sleath, President of Enderby Brass Band said: “In this day and age, it is reassuring to find that community spirit still thrives and we are very grateful to the University of Leicester who stepped in to answer our appeal. 

“If we hadn’t found this appropriate and affordable rehearsal space, we would probably have faced bankruptcy and the end of our 150-year-history. Now we can, once again, look forward to the future.”