Bookham Band Nights

Bookham Band Nights are being rested and will be re launched in Autumn 2012

What is BBN?

It's short for Bookham Band Nights. These are live music events that take place between September and May at Bookham Youth and Community Centre. They are for anyone aged 14 plus and most of the bands featured are local. There’s a big input from young people, they are the bands, the audience and manage the technical support as well (sound and lighting) Adult volunteers help to supervise the events and sell refreshments, and security is tightly managed, helping to maintain a safe environment (no drugs, no alcohol, no smoking, just a good time enjoying the music and the company!)

Can my band play at BBN?

We are always pleased to get new bands playing at BBN. If you are in a band, new or experienced, and you are local to Bookham or neighbouring areas, we want to hear from you. It is helpful if you can e-mail us a MySpace link so we can check out your music first hand. Contact Sue Lawrence for more information. If you are interested in getting involved in technical support we want to hear from you too.

What other facilities are there for bands?

Bookham Youth and Community Centre has a sound proofed band practice room which is available for hire (at £5 per hour).

A dedicated group of young people involved in BBN Set up the recording studio project which has resulted in a newly refurbished recording facility. We run courses on sound recording, contact Sue Lawrence if you are interested to find out more

How did BBN start?

Bookham Band Nights have been taking place at the Youth Centre since 2004, the first Bookham band to play was The Trend. Nylon Sky and According to her are two among other bands who began with performances at BBN
This initiative is co-ordinated by a small steering group from St Nicolas Church. It began after the PCC (Parish Church Council) identified a gap in provision for young people of this age and wanted to develop some outreach from St Nicolas church to fill that gap. We were given some pump priming financial support from the Crime and Disorder Partnership (MVDC) and the Local Community Fund (SCC) as well as groups such as Bookham Resident’s Association and Churches Together. We are pleased to say that as they have grown and become more popular, the events are now self-funding. The local community police support the initiative as a positive social opportunity for young people in the area and usually pop in to hear the music and chat to some of the young people. If you want to join our volunteer supporters team please get in touch. All volunteers are subject to a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.