*
banner

Welsh Government announces multi million pound music investment

The Welsh Government has announced an investment of £6.82m to support music and arts in a new school curriculum initiative.

Welsh
  The initiative has been announced by the Welsh Government

The Welsh Government has announced an investment of £6.82m to support music and arts in a new school curriculum initiative.

It supports the Welsh Government's Programme for Government commitment to set up a national music service.

In the first instance it is understood that musical instruments will be distributed to youngsters who are less likely to already have access to them, such as those eligible for free school meals.

Improved opportunities

Although further details of how the investment will be implemented are yet to be released, the Welsh Government has stated that it believes that it will mean that learners will be given improved opportunities to play and learn music making in what is a seen as a significant boost to music resources to schools in Wales.

It was also announced that an additional £3m will extend the successful Creative Learning through the Arts (CLTA) programme for a further three years. The Arts Council for Wales will match-fund the investment to £6m.

The CLTA programme, which has been in place since 2015, encourages and develops creative approaches to learning, ranging from visits to arts and cultural venues through to collaborating with creative practitioners on bespoke projects in the classroom.

Over 1,200 schools have taken part — 84% of schools since it was started.

Provide benefits

Speaking about the announcement, Minister for Education and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles said: "We know that music and creativity can provide benefits to young people in all aspects of their learning, and access to this shouldn't be determined by your background.

I'm pleased to announce this funding to provide music resources to support the new curriculum, and to extend the Creative Learning through the Arts programme for another three years, and I'm committed to making sure that all learners have access to these opportunities within schools."

This partnership with Welsh Government puts the arts where they belong, at the heart of society and for the benefit of allChair of Arts Council Wales, Phil George

Heart of society

In response, Chair of Arts Council Wales, Phil George said: "Extending the Creative learning through the arts programme is a testament to its success since 2015.

This partnership with Welsh Government puts the arts where they belong, at the heart of society and for the benefit of all."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


NZ Championships

Exciting Antipodean challenges for NZ Nationals

June 4 • There is an encouraging outlook for the New Zealand Championships in Christchurch next month.


nybbgb

Thornton and Barton set to inspire Childrens Band

June 4 • Dr David Thornton and guest soloist Lewis Barton will lead the musical attractions at the NYBBGB Childrens' Band Summer Concert in August.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Croy Silver Band - Summer Concert

Thursday 26 June • Holy Cross Parochial Hall, Constarry Rd, Croy, Glasgow G65 9JG


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable). Rehearse Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Welwyn Garden City Band

June 3 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd