Statistics compiled from a survey among 90 band clubs, which was carried out this year, indicated that in 2017 band clubs counted 27,326 members. Of these, 3,524 were resident or trainee band players, the National Statistics Office said today.

Out of the total band club members in 2017, 2,242 were resident band players and 1,282 were trainees. Furthermore, there were 1,095 committee members, and 22,707 ordinary members. Registered band club membership for the year under review dropped by 0.6 per cent (162 members).

This decline was mainly a result of downward shifts in trainee band players. Just over a quarter of band club members were females. The highest female presence was registered among trainee band players, while the lowest was in band club committees.

During the period under review, female resident band players amounted to 27.4 per cent. Similar to past findings of this survey, results show that the largest number of resident band players in Malta and Gozo was recorded in the South Eastern district (25.2 per cent). Over 1,200 performances were estimated to have been staged by band clubs, of which just over a third were at a locality different to that of the performing band club. In total, performances by band clubs were estimated to have increased by 7.3 per cent when compared to 2014.

Publications issued by band clubs amounted to 320, most of which were magazines or leaflets. Total recurrent expenditure during 2017 was estimated at over €4 million, up by 18.6 per cent when compared to 2014. Remuneration of band players accounted for 35.9 per cent of the total recurrent expenditure.

On a district level, the South Eastern and Northern Harbour districts spent the most, 27.2 and 22.3 per cent respectively. Total recurrent income registered by band clubs during 2017 was estimated at €5.1 million, up by 37.8 per cent when compared to 2014. Band clubs in the South Eastern district registered the highest income, with a share of 27.8 per cent of the total. At 7.2 per cent, band clubs in the Northern district registered the lowest share.

Apart from other income, which includes government funds and rents, donations were the next main income source, amounting to 23.4 per cent of the total recurrent income. Between 2014 and 2017, average expenditure per band club rose from €37,526 to €44,516, while gaverage income per band club rose from €41,049 to €56,572.