Six Mid & East Antrim bands awarded funding share of £1.1m Musical Instruments Programme

Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William Flute Band who were one of the locals bands to recieve funding

Six local bands from across Mid & East Antrim are among 134 individuals and groups to receive funding from the Department for Communities’ £1.1 million Musical Instruments Programme for 2025/26.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed that the latest round of grants will help bands, performing groups and professional musicians across Northern Ireland to purchase or replace musical instruments.

The local bands benefiting from the scheme include:

• Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William Flute Band – £7,000

• Duneaney Accordion Band – £7,425

• Cairnalbana True Blues Flute Band – £9,520

• Ahoghill Accordion Band – £9,540

• Moorfields Flute Band – £6,270

• Clyde Valley Cultural & Musical Society (Flute Band) – £9,305

Announcing the funding, Minister Lyons said:

“Firstly I want to congratulate all the successful applicants of this year’s Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Musical Instruments Programme. Music is part of our culture and it enriches our cultural experiences.

“I recognise that funding is a challenge for many individuals, bands, groups and organisations across the entire music and arts sector so I am pleased to be able to announce this funding which makes a difference across Northern Ireland.

“I am delighted to see an increase in awards from 119 last year to 134 this year with increased capital investment from £823k in 2024/25 to £1.1m in 2025/26. 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.”

Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons pictured with Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera, Arts Council, Joanne Quigley, Newry Chamber of Music, Sreehari Prakasan, drummer and members of the Cairnalbana True Blues Flute band pictured at Parliament Buildings for announcement of the successful applicants of the Musical Instruments Programme.

The Musical Instruments Programme, delivered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, aims to help musicians upgrade or replace old instruments, ensuring that groups and individuals can continue to perform at a high standard.

This year’s programme awarded funding to 94 bands totalling £819,405, 12 professional and non-professional performing groups receiving £134,928, and 28 professional musicians who shared £148,667 in grants.

The scheme is divided into three key strands:

• Bands Strand: Supporting formally constituted bands such as flute, accordion, brass, pipe, wind, and concert bands.

• Professional and Non-Professional Performing Groups: Open to choirs, orchestras, community music groups, schools, and youth organisations.

• Individual Professional Musicians: Designed to assist professionals in maintaining high-quality instruments essential for their work.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said the funding would make a long-lasting impact on the music community.

“We are pleased to join with the Department for Communities today to share news of funding made available for musicians, bands and groups through the Musical Instruments Programme.

“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.”

More information on all successful applicants can be found on the Arts Council NI website: artscouncil-ni.org/resources/musical-instruments-awards.