Thousands of children to benefit from music hubs

It is hoped the money will "remove barriers"

Thousands of children are set to benefit from new music hubs.

More than £9m is being invested in seven hubs across the south-west of England.

Leaders hope the new services will ensure "everyone everywhere can pick up an instrument and express themselves".

Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) has been appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire Music Hub from September.

The council's cabinet member for education, Philip Robinson, said government funding would allow GCC "to provide high-quality music education across our county".

It will receive £2,354,219 from the Department for Education - £1,772,099 to coordinate music education, plus £582,120.00 to invest in new musical instruments, equipment and technology.

South west area director of Arts Council England Phil Gibby said each hub lead organisation would host "high-quality musical activities for thousands of children in the region".

"We can’t wait to see a new generation of talent sing, compose and play their way to a more inclusive future," he added.