Grants of £1.1 million has been announced for 134 musicians and groups across Northern Ireland through the 2025/26 Musical Instruments Programme.

Announced by Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, the programme is designed to help musicians purchase new instruments and replace old ones, has seen a total capital investment increase from £823,000 last year to £1.1 million in 2025/26. The number of awards has also increased from 119 to 134 this year.

Minister Lyons offered his congratulations to the successful applicants of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Musical Instruments Programme.

"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," he said. The Minister added that the increase in funding "demonstrates the need and I will continue to support those who strive to improve the standards of musicianship in Northern Ireland," noting he was pleased to see the funding spread across all local council areas.

A breakdown of the £1.1m funding shows that 94 bands received £819,405, 12 professional and non-professional performing groups received £134,928, and 28 professional musicians were awarded £148,667.

The programme is split into three strands: one for formally constituted bands (including accordion, brass, flute, pipe, wind, and concert bands); a category for Professional and Non-Professional Performing Groups (including choirs, orchestras, and schools); and a third strand for Individual Professional Musicians.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: "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."

Ms McDonough concluded that the instruments purchased will be used to "enhance teaching, aid player development and in performances for many years to come".