Carla Lockhart said:

“Thousands of people across Upper Bann are part of the marching band fraternity. Week after week they devote their time to their band on a voluntary basis, developing their own musical ability but also helping many young people to learn to play a musical instrument. It is also a fantastic way to bring generations together, and address a range of issues such as loneliness and isolation.

This incredibly positive contribution to our community costs significant sums of money, and therefore it has to be supported by central Government. I am pleased that the Arts Council NI Musical Instruments for Bands funding has once again opened for applications. In previous years a number of local bands have successfully secured this funding to purchase new instruments, helping their musical offering. Today’s workshop is aimed at once again helping bands to secure this funding to help their ongoing development. I am delighted that a good number of bands availed of this opportunity and I thank all in attendance for taking time to come along.

My thanks also go to Matthew Warwick from the Ulster-Scots Community Network for a very informative presentation, and to David Martin at Brownlow House for supporting this event. I want to see our bands continue to grow and to thrive, as they develop their music but also continue to showcase the rich cultural heritage they are very much a part of.”