Fifteen years ago, a group of passionate brass players set out on an unforgettable journey: walking the length of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast trail with their instruments on their backs. Dubbed Rambling Brass, this ambitious musical hike wasn't just about the miles - they were raising money for the NSPCC and raising awareness of the need for better safeguarding in banding.
Equipped with our Fusion gig bags, they braved rain, mud, steep climbs, and the occasional curious sheep - all while keeping their instruments safe and dry.
“One morning we played a hymn at the top of a hill on Easter Sunday. Walkers stopped to listen - some even cried. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”
A Legacy That Lasts
Rambling Brass didn’t stop after that first trek. In 2012, they joined Brass the Baton, a nationwide Olympic-themed initiative where five conducting batons travelled across the UK - passed from band to band like a musical torch relay. The Rambling Brass crew walked from Durham to High Force Falls, handing over one of the batons and performing en route.
Another highlight? A windswept performance at the Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Britain, complete with an unexpected moment when a sheep attempted to join the stage and tore through their NSPCC banner. “It clearly wasn’t impressed we were fundraising for children!” Heidi joked.
Through it all, their Fusion bags were with them - still in use to this day.
More Than Just Miles
Rambling Brass wasn’t just about endurance or entertainment. It sparked real change. The safeguarding work that grew out of the project eventually evolved into BandSafe, a major initiative now run by Brass Band England to protect young players in the brass community.
🎧 Listen to the NSPCC podcast on safeguarding in music
The Spirit Lives On
At Fusion Bags, we’re always inspired by musicians who take the road less travelled -literally. From Johnny Campbell’s 60th anniversary folk tour along the Pennine Way to Filkin’s Drift’s instrument-carrying gigs by foot, the spirit of Rambling Brass lives on.
They proved you don’t need a van or tour bus to make an impact. Just sturdy boots, a sense of humour, and the right bag.
See how our bags were used in the epic Coast-to-Coast tour:
An Interview with Heidi Bradley
We’ve recently reconnected with Heidi Bradley, the original organiser of Rambling Brass, who’s kindly agreed to share her memories and reflections. Stay tuned - her stories are as uplifting as they are unexpected. Read the interview here >>
Have your own stories of musical adventure?
We’d love to hear them! Tag us on social media @Fusion_Bags on Instagram or @FusionBags on Facebook and tell us where your Fusion bag has taken you.