Kenny Crookston on the European Festival, his banding life and opening his big mouth | episode 40

Chief executive officer of Brass Bands England, Kenny Crookston, looks ahead to the 2022 European Brass Band Festival, as the prestigious event rapidly approaches. He discusses planning for the festival while facing the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, and explains how this year’s festival, in Birmingham, is taking shape. Kenny also looks back on his own banding career, from following in the footsteps of his brothers by joining Broxburn Band in West Lothian, to enjoying celebrated times with Whitburn Band under the direction of the likes of Phillip McCann and Major Peter Parkes. Never stuck for something to say, Kenny chats about how his big mouth (those are his words) led to him becoming involved in banding administration and management, a lengthy tenure as editor of British Bandsman magazine and ultimately, on the path to where he is today at Brass Bands England. (Note: this interview was recorded before the withdrawal from the European Championships of Concord Brass Band). Subscribe to British Bandsman today!