A LIVE rock band will be performing in secondary schools across the county after a charity received hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Berkshire Maestros, the charity delivering music education to children across Berkshire, has been awarded £375,270 as part of the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF), administered by Arts Council England.

The funding, announced by the Arts Council on Friday, April 2, will enable Berkshire Maestros to continue to run music education activities in schools and for families across Berkshire.

It will also allow the charity to launch new initiatives, including two live bands who will perform in schools across the county.

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It will give Berkshire’s school children unique access to either a live instrumental band (for primary schools) or an energetic rock band (for secondary schools).

Reacting to the announcement Dawn Wren, CEO of Berkshire Maestros, said: “We are delighted to receive this wonderful funding that will benefit so many children in Berkshire.

"The last year has been challenging for everyone, and as the largest music education provider in the county we have worked hard with schools and families to ensure music can continue as much as possible.

"We have heard many times that our music lessons have been vital for young people’s wellbeing and mental health during lockdown.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted heavily on our budgets, and we welcome the funding as recognition of the important role music plays in education and wellbeing for all young people.

"This grant will enable us to rebuild the group activities and events that we have missed so much, and to open up new musical opportunities for children who haven’t yet benefitted from learning an instrument or making music with others.”

Berkshire Maestros is one of almost 3,800 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support – with £300 million of investment announced earlier this month.

This is the second time the organisation has been successful in securing this vital funding, and will help to recover some of the financial losses incurred throughout the Covid pandemic, as well as looking ahead to future activities.

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Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced.

"Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead."

Berkshire Maestros, lead organisation of the Berkshire Music Hub, was established in 1982 and provides high quality and affordable music tuition through schools and music centres across the county.

The charity also provides choirs and group music-making opportunities for all instruments and skill levels, beginning with Early Years Mini Maestros groups for babies and toddlers, right through to county youth ensembles and teenage rock bands.