Member's statement: Musical Instruments Programme
Member's statement by Mrs Pam Cameron on .
- MLA
- Mrs Pam Cameron
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 22 September 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Musical Instruments Programme
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5739109
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I welcome the announcement by Gordon Lyons, the Minister for Communities, of a £750,000 investment in the musical instruments programme. That is a significant and practical commitment to music, culture and community life across Northern Ireland. The programme is open now, meaning that bands, musical groups, schools and professional musicians can apply immediately for support to purchase good-quality instruments. The scale of the impact of the programme is already clear. During the 2025-26 period, more than £1·1 million was awarded to over 90 bands, 12 groups and 28 individual musicians across Northern Ireland. That support enabled organisations and performers to replace ageing equipment, improve the quality of their instruments and create new opportunities for people to participate in music. In South Antrim, we are fortunate to have many talented musicians and dedicated bands, which play an important role in their communities. Of course, we have many genres of band, and they provide much more than entertainment. They offer tuition, discipline and friendship. They give children and young people the opportunity to develop a skill, grow in confidence and become part of a team. Much of that work is sustained by volunteers, who give freely of their evenings and weekends. They teach beginners, organise events, raise funds and ensure that musical traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Instruments are expensive, however, and their cost can prevent smaller organisations or young musicians from reaching their potential, so the Minister's investment is welcome and timely. It recognises the contribution that music makes to community cohesion, social inclusion and economic regeneration. It also ensures that support extends across a wide range of musical activity. The band strand is open to formally constituted accordion, brass, flute, pipe, wind and concert bands. A second strand supports professional and non-professional performing groups, including choirs, orchestras, community music groups, musical societies, schools and youth groups. A third strand provides support for individual professional musicians. That broad approach is important. It ensures that the programme supports our musical heritage while encouraging participation, developing skills and helping talented performers to progress professionally. I commend the Minister for securing that £750,000 investment and ensuring that applications are now open. It is another clear example of DUP Ministers delivering practical support for individuals and organisations that enrich communities across Northern Ireland. I strongly encourage eligible bands, groups, schools and musicians in South Antrim and, of course, further afield to visit the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's website and apply before the deadline of 15 October.
416 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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