Borough of Culture boost helps our young musicians hit the high notes

Young singers and musicians at The Hive will be hitting the high notes – with help from Wirral’s year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture 2024.

We’re among 16 projects receiving a share of £148,000 awarded through the Wirral Borough of Culture Grants programme to artists, heritage groups and creative organisations – designed to increase participation in arts, culture and heritage during Wirral’s year in the cultural spotlight and beyond.

The grants are funding activities and projects supporting the Borough of Culture themes, including boosting participation among children and young people.

Our funding will help to grow our musical programme for young people and develop choirs that can perform throughout Wirral at external events.

Cllr Ann Ainsworth, Vice-Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee for Wirral Council, said: “The talent, creativity and pride of our resident artists, heritage groups and cultural organisations shone through in the applications for funding. The number of bids we received is a clear indicator of how important arts, culture and heritage are to our communities and will help us develop future initiatives to support the many incredible organisations who came forward.

“These projects will not only have an impact right across Wirral during our Borough of Culture year but create a legacy for our residents and visitors in the years to come.”

Cllr Mike Wharton Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said: “It’s fantastic to see so many community groups, organisations and artists receive funding to execute their creative projects, to increase participation in cultural activities, and also create a legacy for residents and visitors.

“This activity and engagement is key to the Borough of Culture, part of the Combined Authority’s culture programme, and I’m looking forward to seeing what will be achieved in Wirral as it celebrates holding the title this year.”

The grant programme has been made possible with funding from the Liverpool City Region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation, managed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.