Big Lottery Fund in £3.85m musical partnership

A new musical collaboration funded by the Big Lottery Fund will involve partners from the youth sector and music industry connecting with millions of young people in some of the most deprived areas across the whole of the UK. The partners include Global, which owns three of the largest brands in commercial radio, and the BRITs brand. The project aims to increase social skills in those aged 14 to 24 and provide motivational activities. The partners will create and deliver a programme of community outreach and skills development activities that will aim to empower and inspiring participants. These will include major music events, a national talent competition, an education programme delivered in youth clubs and work-related opportunities. Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of BPI & Brit Awards Ltd, said: “We'll offer internships in record companies, work experience at the BRIT Awards, and music mentoring to a new generation of young people who never dreamed they might get the chance to work in such an exciting business.” Other partners within the Consortium include Classic FM, The British Music Experience, Abbey Road Studios, Youth Scotland, Youth Cymru, Youth Action Northern Ireland and The Eden Project. Peter Ainsworth, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, said: “The Consortium will draw on the expertise of some of the UK’s most renowned charities, leading educational institutions, community-based youth engagement organisations and major music and media businesses… The Big Lottery Fund has a strong history of supporting young people, helping them to fulfil their potential.”