11/07/2016

£200,000 Funding Announced To Provide Bands In NI With Instruments

Funding for a scheme to provide bands with instruments in Northern Ireland has been revived by the Minister for Communities.

The scheme was suspended by the Sinn Féin Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín in 2015, however Minister Paul Givan announced £200,000 has now been made available.

The Musical Instruments for Bands Programme will be distributed through the Arts Council.

Minister Givan said: "The marching bands sector is the largest community arts sector in Northern Ireland with well in excess of 20,000 participants. Our parading culture has been described as 'Northern Ireland's best kept secret" and the reinstatement of this funding for the purchase of musical instruments will be welcome news for those who participate in this important sector.

"These bands contribute to our society not just musically, but providing structure, discipline and a social outlet for a huge number of young people across Northern Ireland. They are an integral part of life in Northern Ireland and I will continue to work to ensure that adequate resources are available for this sector."

(CD)

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