Marching bands receive funding

29 December 2008 -

Travellers keen to sample good music in Northern Ireland will be interested to hear the country's marching bands have benefited from more than £500 million in funding, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

According to the news provider, flute, silver and accordion collectives each received grants of up to £5,000 to help develop skills and nurture some of the province's most promising talent.

Recipients include the Burntollet Sons of Ulster and the Hounds of Ulster, who were both awarded £5,000.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland claims the funds are essential for developing the bands and ensuring they are able to entertain locals and travellers in the country, the news provider reports.

Burntollet Sons of Ulster originate from Claudy, just outside Londonderry, known as Derry, and were formed in 1979.

In other music news, Hot Leg, which features former Darkness singer Justin Hawkins, will perform at the Limelight in Belfast on February 26th.