Northern Ireland bands receive £100,000 boost for international travel opportunities

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with performers at the Belfast International Tattoo 2024.

In a significant move to support the vibrant music scene in Northern Ireland, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £100,000 funding allocation for a new initiative aimed at helping bands perform at showcase events beyond the region’s borders.

The Travel Awards for Bands Programme, administered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, is designed to assist established bands—including accordion, brass, concert, flute, pipe, and wind ensembles—with the often prohibitive costs of travel.

This funding will enable musicians to reach new audiences, hone their skills, and forge valuable networks on a broader stage.

Minister Lyons emphasised the cultural importance of the arts in his announcement.

“The arts is a very important part of our culture and it is vital that no barriers are put in the way of their music being promoted further than Northern Ireland,” he said.

“The new Travel Awards for Bands Programme has been designed to help bands with travel costs, and promote music making and player development. Bands can apply for grants of between £500 and £5,000 towards their travel costs. I have allocated a total budget of £100,000 to the programme.”

The programme is expected to generate considerable interest within the banding community, particularly as it addresses a key challenge highlighted by musicians: the financial hurdles associated with invitations to perform elsewhere.

Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, welcomed the investment.

“With much appreciated investment from the Department for Communities, the Arts Council has opened this new funding stream for bands, which will allow them to perform alongside their contemporaries at events outside Northern Ireland,” she stated.

“We know that this programme will come as welcome news to the bands community, who have told us that while they are often invited to perform in other locations, the cost of travel can be prohibitive. These travel grants will help bands to reach new audiences, develop their performance skills and create new networks.”

This new scheme builds on existing support mechanisms, such as the Musical Instruments Programme, which aids bands, groups, and individual musicians in acquiring new instruments or replacing outdated ones.

Together, these initiatives underscore a commitment to nurturing musical talent and ensuring the sustainability of Northern Ireland’s rich banding tradition.

Applications for the Travel Awards are now open, with grants prioritised for those demonstrating exceptional musicianship, a dedication to training and musical education—especially among young people—and a focus on advancing repertoire and technical proficiency.

Given the anticipated high demand for this fresh funding opportunity, prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly.

The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Monday, 22 September 2025. Interested bands can find full details, eligibility criteria, and application forms on the Arts Council’s website at artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/travel-awards-for-bands.

This funding announcement comes at a time when cultural sectors across the UK are seeking ways to recover and expand post-pandemic, highlighting Northern Ireland’s proactive approach to promoting its artistic heritage on an international platform.