Bands Funding Evening A Big Success

Carla Lockhart MP • August 20, 2024

Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, extends her thanks to everyone who attended the successful Bands Funding Evening on Zoom. Over 30 bands participated, highlighting the importance of ongoing support for local bands.

Lockhart also expressed her gratitude to Matthew Warwick from the Ulster-Scots Community Network for his dedication and efforts in making the evening a success. "Thanks to the Ulster-Scots Community Network's Matthew Warwick for his time and efforts. Matthew and I have been doing this since 2016 as and when the funding has been opened and have had great success stories," she added.


Lockhart emphasised the cultural significance of bands in the community, stating, ‘Bands really do form such a big part of our culture, and it is important to support them. Thanks also has to go to DUP Community Minister Gordon Lyons MLA for re-establishing the fund. I look forward to future meetings across Upper Bann to continue supporting the growth and development of bands in the area.  The musical instruments funding remains open for bands to apply for. Given the successful applicants in the part I would strongly encourage local bands to apply.  For further details check of the Arts Council for  Northern Ireland’s website.



Share

By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the strong sense of community across the constituency following a series of local events, including a fundraising initiative at Banbridge Fire Station.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has announced a dedicated Town Centre Business Engagement Day as part of her ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and hearing directly from those operating in town centres. 
By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation that Portmore Street in Portadown is to be included in a resurfacing programme, following concerns raised with her by local residents.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, attended the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Tuesday, to support farmers and rural businesses, as a land-mark legal challenge got underway.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 16, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the announcement of additional UK Government support for households facing soaring heating oil costs, but has warned that Stormont must now act quickly to ensure the funding reaches families in need. 
By Carla Lockhart MP March 13, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the DAERA Minister’s plans to introduce an Independent Environmental Protection Agency in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 13, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged the Labour Government to support agriculture rather than powering ahead with inheritance tax reforms and other bureaucratic burdens that could threaten the future of family farms.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart and her colleagues in the Democratic Unionist Party have voted against legislation which they say risks undermining the long-standing right to trial by jury.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Churches and faith-based organisations across Northern Ireland are invited to attend the relaunch of an updated Church Funding Directory, hosted by Carla Lockhart MP, at the Oxford Island Discovery Centre on Thursday 19 March at 11:00am.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that Government plans to reopen proposals for Digital ID cards risk opening the door to increased state surveillance and represent a policy that the public clearly does not support.