Music charity given reprieve thanks to funds boost

The music charity has been given at least a temporary reprieve, says Karl Meyer

An award-winning community music charity at risk of closing has been given a reprieve thanks to a last-minute funding boost.

Plymouth Music Zone (PMZ) helps people of all ages and abilities get access to instruments and musicians from its music education centre in the city.

Staff said it had become increasingly difficult to cover running costs and, earlier this month, warned that without a rescue package it would have to close after 25 years of operating.

But the charity said it could now remain open, at least temporarily, thanks to "public support, donations and ongoing savings".

'Incredibly humbling'

In a joint statement, Chris Hunt, chair of trustees and the PMZ board, and Karl Meyer, music programme director, and the PMZ staff, said the support had been "astonishing".

They said donations received via an appeal had been "incredibly humbling".

"From all of us here at PMZ we wanted to say a massive thank you to our people, communities, stakeholders and supporters for reminding us just how much music, creativity and PMZ means to you.

"You are truly the embodiment of Music Making a Difference.

"Our hard work continues. PMZ is still awaiting news of vital funding and we have welcomed this added precious time to become more determined than ever to keep PMZ open beyond March 2025," they added.

"Thank you from the bottom of our collective hearts for continuing to care so much and for believing in and supporting Plymouth Music Zone."