International Jazz Banjo Newsletter

With summer now approaching, we are busy planning the 9th Midland Banjo Fest. Once again it will be held at the Bretby Conference Centre, Bretby near Burton on Trent on Saturday 13th October admission £5.00, pay on the door.
At this date we are able to say that David Price; Howard Shepherd; Elias Sibley; Cliff & Roger; Banjovi Revival and Ray Bernard (accompanied by pianist Karen Shutt) will be entertaining us along with many of our other stars who have yet to confirm. It you wish to play please let Reg Stranks know A.S.A.P. for anything up to a 15 minute spot. First come, first served!
The MBF is a gathering of all styles of banjo music from the amateur to professional, with enthusiasts & players meeting up, chatting, buying, selling, relaxing & enjoying good company. A mid – afternoon ‘Community Jam Session,’ followed by a Concert in wish anyone can play, with the conclusion in the evening of the ‘Free Prize Banjo Draw,’ and our ‘Grande Finale’ community swing session.
Originally created in 1999 by Cliff Atkin & Roger Bower at the Bass Museum, followed by the Queens Hotel in Burton on Trent, success determined that more space was required and in 2001 the MBF moved to it’s home in Bretby Conference Centre. In 2005 the MBF was transferred into the hands of Reg Stranks, who is the current Organizer of the Fest.
The Bretby Conference Centre is of a very comfortable 4star standard with a full service of hot & cold snacks, hot meals, licensed bar, hot & cold soft drinks all prepared by quality Chef’s. In addition there is adjoining accommodation, £45 single, £54 (double or twin) room cost (£27 each for those prepared to share inclusive of full English breakfast & VAT.
The Conference Centre is situated 3 miles South of Burton on Trent,Staffordshire within the Bretby Business Park in the village of Bretby,on the A511 Ashby Road, a short taxi ride from Burton on Trent railway station. Hull Ferry docks approx., 108 miles (170 km) with good motorway connections. East Midlands airport approx., 15 miles (24 km)
Disabled Facilities Bretby Conference Centre is fully equipped to cater for people with Disabilities, having disabled toilets on each floor, lift & disabled bedrooms.
Admission for children 12 years of age & below is free. Whilst we are keen to introduce & promote the banjo to all children, for safety reasons children are only admitted under the supervision of a responsible adult on a 4:1 ratio.
Admission above this ratio can only be by prior written consent by the Organiser.

Go to www.midlandbanjofest.com