The sustainability of local band clubs in the light of changing times and circumstances

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on one of Malta's most important secular societies, the band clubs that are responsible for organizing the external celebrations of the village feast. There are ninety band clubs in all, in the Maltese islands, eighty in Malta and ten in Gozo. The main objective of this dissertation is to analyze the sustainability of local band clubs in the light of changing times and circumstances and to come up with alternative solutions for our band clubs. The initial chapters focus on the administrative feature of local band clubs and on giving a historical overview of their evolution in the Maltese islands. The ensuing chapters are based on the findings and depict the present situation of local band clubs, before moving on to suggest a number of tentative recommendations on how band clubs can counteract existing and future challenges. Finally, the study considers whether government is providing enough assistance to local band clubs in the light of their contribution towards the economy and discusses how band clubs are likely to be affected by Malta's accession in the European Union. Band clubs are facing difficulties due to falling income and increasing expenditure, but the recommendations proposed in this dissertation illustrate that if band clubs' administrators were to be innovative and organize activities in a professional manner they should succeed to achieve the band clubs' objectives and ensure their survival and growth. Above all, band clubs must work harder to encourage voluntary work since this is the main pillar that sustains these indigenous organizations.