In view of the revised Covid-19 pandemic guidance as at 02 December 2020, the Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band has taken the decision not to meet until further notice. This is so, in order to mitigate risk to our members and the wider community for all to spend Christmas safe and well with their families.
Of course the band was hopeful that it would be able to perform this Christmas time. However, the potential risk for people to congregate while listening to the band carolling in open public spaces, was not in the band’s opinion appropriate, as it may risk wider public health and contravene Covid-19 regulations.
This time last year the band performed each weekend throughout December in Reading’s Morrisons supermarket. It was also very pleased to have been able to support Sarcoma UK carolling in the beautiful and iconic surrounds of St. Pauls Church in Covent Garden, London to help set the Christmas scene for their very first Christmas carol concert.
Following its festive performance in support of Sarcoma UK, the band took the opportunity to entertain London’s late night shoppers. Such music-making opportunities and experiences for our members, young brass learners and audiences alike have been very much missed in 2020.
This has resulted in a significant loss of income and has placed increased financial pressures on the band. As such, the band has joined the national initiative launched by Brass Bands England to save the many UK brass bands who are struggling to survive through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Please donate at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/readingband – with your generous support the band will play on!
The band is hopeful that January 2021 will bring good health … and a return to brass band music making!
The Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band is very appreciative and grateful of the generous support it has received in 2020 and wishes its President Wendy Watkins, members and all friends of the band a very Happy Christmas.
