ACE commits £400k to coronation events

Events to celebrate the coronation of King Charles have been given a boost with £415,000 of funding from Arts Council England (ACE).

The funding body has said it has contributed £250,400 of National Lottery money to the Coronation Bandstand Project, staged by Music for Youth to provide "inspirational opportunities" for thousands of children and young people to take part in and watch performances in public park bandstands across the country.

Meanwhile, a £165,000 award has been made to Libraries Connected, which has distributed funds to two regional networks for work in public libraries celebrating the coronation.

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The money is being shared amongst each of England's 150 public library authorities to commission or host events that reflect or celebrate the coronation.

ACE said it hopes the financial support will help "communities around the country to come together through culture" for the coronation.

"From arts and crafts to classical music, there will be a range of exciting activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved with, putting creativity at the heart of the celebrations," a statement said.

"As ever, our investment is about making sure that in more places, more people get the chance to experience the best in creativity and culture."

A time to come together

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of ACE, said: "As a lifelong champion of the arts, the King recognises the wealth of artistic talent we have in this country and the benefits the arts can bring to people's lives. 

"This is a time for families and communities to come together, and we hope the creative activities taking place over this historic weekend will give more people the opportunity to experience arts and culture."

Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive at Libraries Connected, said the funding means libraries across the country can mark the Coronation with exciting cultural events and activities. 

"As always, libraries have come up with incredibly creative and unique ideas that involve the whole community in art, craft, music, literature and much more," she said. 

"We're thrilled to play our part in bringing those ideas to life and recognising this historic moment.”

Kate Gardner, Director of Programmes at Music for Youth, said: "Music for Youth is so excited to bring young musicians together from across England to celebrate this special occasion."