The Nottingham Concert Band, a beloved community ensemble based in West Bridgford, has secured a £1,000 funding boost from packaging giant The Wilkins Group. The donation will allow the volunteer-led band to purchase vital new instruments and sheet music, ensuring its long-standing tradition of bringing music to local audiences continues.
Funding Details and Impact
The four-figure cheque from The Wilkins Group, a family-run packaging firm headquartered in Nottingham, will breathe new life into the band, which has been a staple of the local music scene for decades. Under the leadership of music director and conductor Robert Parker, who has been at the helm since 1993, the band is known for uniting communities through music.
Rosemary Attard, a trustee for the organisation, expressed gratitude: “We usually have to rely on subs and ticket sales to fund the band. Only occasionally do we get a donation, so we are immensely grateful for the Wilkins Group’s contribution.”
Band Activities and Reach
The Nottingham Concert Band performs a diverse mix of musical styles across Nottinghamshire, from formal evening concerts and festive Christmas specials to outdoor summer gigs, charity fundraisers, and private parties. Over 70 musicians from across the East Midlands come together to create the distinctive sound of the wind band, with members ranging in age from 18 to over 80.
The band holds rehearsals at Rushcliffe Spencer Academy in Boundary Road, West Bridgford, each Tuesday evening. Their next major performance is at Proms in the Park at Bridgford Park for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.
Wilkins Group's Community Commitment
The donation forms part of The Wilkins Group’s year-long commitment to supporting local charities. Aron Wilkins, joint managing director, said: “The Nottingham Concert Band is such a worthwhile organisation. We just love how they bring people of all ages together and give them a platform to develop their potential and shine! The music charity has been making a real difference in Nottinghamshire, not only by giving local musicians a chance and a place to explore their talents, but also by sharing the enjoyment of live music with the community.”
As a family-run firm, The Wilkins Group is dedicated to supporting its local community and adapting its manufacturing practices to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry. In addition to producing food packaging for brands such as Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods, and Cadbury, the business is leading the way in alternatives like board trays for food packaging, including compostable materials, and award-winning 100 per cent plastic-free hangers.
