Bradford Accordion Band is one of four shortlistees for the 2026 RPS Inspiration Award. We are welcoming public votes to choose the winner – voting is open until 11am on Monday 2 February 2026. The winner will be announced at the RPS Awards on Thursday 12 March at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Bradford Accordion Band (BAB) is an inclusive, dynamic community band in West Yorkshire. Established in 1997 by its director Anita Bašić with a group of four accordion students, it’s now a vibrant, 38-piece ensemble that surprises audiences and challenges expectations. They perform music from a wide range of genres to a high standard, welcoming other instruments into the fold to complement their sound. BAB’s mixed-ability membership ranges from just 7 to 90 years of age, representing a wealth of multi-cultural backgrounds and musical influences. Laughter, emotional connection, and audience interaction sit at the heart of every BAB performance and rehearsal. BAB has collaborated with an eclectic range of dancers, rappers, choirs and ukulele orchestras, and earlier this year launched its own vocal harmony group. BAB has also raised tens of thousands of pounds for local and national charities.
BAB treasures its strong community links and regularly seeks opportunities to perform in different venues. Over the past year, their events included a performance at Cliffe Castle History Museum, a festive sing-along at a garden centre, a charity concert at Bingley Arts Centre, and a performance in Shipley Railway Station as part of Bradford Progress – a non-stop, weekend-long musical journey celebrating musical diversity in Bradford, as a key element of this year’s Bradford City of Culture programme.
‘I joined Bradford Accordion Band last year after relocating to Yorkshire. I wanted to learn to play the accordion and was inspired by their website, fun Facebook posts, and local charity support. After some introductory lessons, I was able to get involved thanks to their instrument loan scheme. The rehearsals, social events and WhatsApp group have helped me make new friends. The varied repertoire even allows me to play my flute! BAB has given me more than music: it’s helped me settle into my new hometown and given me a sense of belonging.’
Zoe, member
‘Anita Bašić recruited her nervous accordion pupils to form a band back in 1997, and what fun we’ve had ever since! With her charismatic leadership, we’ve learned to blend as a team and enjoy making music together at weekly rehearsals. It thrills us all to see the pleasure our performances give, and to know that each of us contributes. 28 years on, some of the original band members are still involved, spurred on by many talented new arrivals. Kudos to Anita for instilling us all with confidence and enriching so many lives in the process!’
David, member, treasurer 2001-2024
The RPS Inspiration Award is generously supported by Stainer & Bell.
