£750,000 Musical Instruments Funding Opens for Northern Ireland Marching Bands

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £750,000 in funding for musical instruments and equipment through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Musical Instruments for Bands Programme. Applications opened on 18 September and close at 12 noon on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

Over the past three years, 197 bands have received funding, with an average award of approximately £8,402. The highest individual award recorded during this period was £10,000. Last year, approximately £801,000 was awarded to bands, exceeding the £750,000 available in the latest funding round.

Who can apply

Formally constituted bands based in Northern Ireland, including accordion orchestras/bands, brass bands, concert bands, flute bands, pipe bands and wind bands (marching or otherwise). Other performing organisations should apply through the separate Musical Instruments for Professional/Non-professional Performing Groups Programme.

Funding available

• Grants of up to £30,000 per band.
• The Arts Council covers a maximum of 90% of costs; bands must provide at least 10% in cash from non-Arts Council sources. Discounts from suppliers do not count.
• Example: for £10,000 of instruments, the Arts Council contributes up to £9,000, and the band must provide £1,000.
• Funding isn’t guaranteed for every eligible applicant. Demand is expected to be high, and awards may cover only part of a request.
• Bands can apply for multiple instruments in one application.

What’s covered

Instruments, cases, drumheads and sticks, reeds, mutes, tuners, metronomes, music stands, PA systems, microphones, amplifiers, effects pedals, iPads (capped at £500 and required to be used as the instrument itself), recording equipment, and instrument maintenance/refurbishment, including accordion reed and bellows work, tuning and servicing.

Not covered

Second-hand instruments, uniforms, travel/shipping costs and tuition costs.

Required documents

• A performance recording (audio or video, under 8 minutes, from the last 3 years).
• Completed Instrument Request List Pro Forma with supplier quotations (two quotes under £5,000 and three above £5,000).
• Activity lists covering the past year’s activities (from 1 October 2025) and planned activities for the coming year (from 1 October 2026), plus competition results from the last two years if applicable.
• Registration and uploaded documents (constitution, office bearers list and premises evidence) on the Government Funding Database. This can take several days to activate, so register early.

Applicants must also commit to equality of opportunity and good relations. The Arts Council may review a band’s public output, including its website and social media, to assess this, and funding can be withdrawn if concerns arise later.

Assessment criteria

Applications are judged on the quality of musical activity, public benefit, and organisational and financial viability. Priority is given to bands demonstrating strong musicianship, a commitment to training (especially for young people), and repertoire development.

Timeline

• Applications opened: 18 September 2026.
• Deadline: 12 noon, 15 October 2026.
• Decisions expected: December 2026.
• Instruments must be purchased and delivered by: 31 March 2027.

Grants are paid in two stages — up to 80% on receipt of a supplier invoice, with the remainder paid after proof of purchase and delivery. Applications must be submitted online (no hard copy or email), and missing documents make an application ineligible.

Apply and read the full guidance:

Musical Instruments for Bands – Arts Council of Northern Ireland