Write a comment
Bands and groups from the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area were some of the organisations to receive funding from a Musical Instruments Programme announced this week by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
The Minister announced that 134 grants totalling £1.1 million will be issued to individuals, bands and groups from across Northern Ireland who have been successful in the 2025/26 Musical Instruments Programme. The funding, which has increased from £823,000 last year, will help musicians replace old instruments and purchase new ones.
Locally Bessbrook True Blues received £9,315; Newry Chamber Music received £13,707; Rising Sons of the Valley Kilkeel received 10,000; St Peters GAA Band, Warrenpoint received £9,557; Bessbrook Crimson Arrow Pipe Band received £10,000; South Down Defenders Flute Band received £8,850 and Drumbanagher Accordion Band received £,7,861. To check out all the successful applicants go to artscouncil-ni.org
Minister Lyons congratulated all the successful applicants and said music is part of our culture and enriches our cultural experiences. He said he recognises that funding is a challenge for many individuals, bands, groups and organisations across the entire music and arts sector so was pleased to be able to announce this funding which makes a difference across Northern Ireland.
The Minister said he was delighted to see an increase in awards from 119 last year to 134 this year with increased capital investment. "This demonstrates the need and I will continue to support those who strive to improve the standards of musicianship in Northern Ireland. I am also very pleased to see the spread of funding reaches all local council areas," he said.
The Musical Instruments Programme is designed to help musicians in Northern Ireland replace their old, worn-out instruments and purchase new ones. A total of 134 grants have been awarded through the programme, which saw 94 bands receive £819,405, 12 professional and non-professional performing groups receive £134,928 and 28 professional musicians receive £148,667.
The programme includes three strands. The Bands strand supports bands based in Northern Ireland which are formally constituted, including accordion, brass, flute, pipe, wind and concert bands. The Professional and Non-Professional Performing Groups category was open to choirs and orchestras, community music groups, musical societies, primary and post primary schools and youth groups. The third strand is for Individual Professional Musicians.
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said "This funding will reach deep into communities, throughout Northern Ireland, benefiting musicians practicing across a broad range of genres including classical, jazz, traditional, contemporary and electronic music. These instruments will be used to enhance teaching, aid player development and in performances for many years to come"
