A Nottingham youth music charity that supports around 200 young musicians has received a £1,000 donation to help more children access orchestral training. The funding from The Wilkins Group will provide opportunities for 14 children from 12 local families to take part in the Nottingham Youth Orchestra. The gift is part of the company's commitment to giving away £1,000 every month throughout 2026 to support arts organisations across the region.
Expanding Access to Orchestral Training
The orchestra offers a range of levels for young people aged between eight and 18, from beginners to advanced performers. Justin Wilkins from The Wilkins Group said the company is proud to help young people experience the creative arts.
“Music and the arts play such an important role in young people’s development, building confidence, teamwork and creativity,” Justin said. “When we heard about the work the Nottingham Youth Orchestra is doing with children from across the Midlands, we knew it was exactly the type of organisation we wanted to support. It’s inspiring to see so many young musicians coming together to learn, perform and develop their talent, and we’re delighted that our contribution can help support the orchestra and the opportunities it provides.”
Programme Details and History
The programme welcomes players of all orchestral instruments who have reached at least a Grade 3 standard. The Nottingham Youth Orchestra was first established in 1986 to ensure high-quality musical training remained available in the area. Today, the students are supported by a dedicated team of eight tutors and a group of parent volunteers who help at rehearsals. The orchestra is a regular fixture at local venues such as the Albert Hall in Nottingham, drawing talent from across the Midlands.
Dave Leeder, a conductor with the orchestra, enjoys seeing the positive environment the group creates for its members. “It’s a privilege to help these children, everyone’s accepted for who they are and all have the same attitude,” Dave said.
Company Commitment to Arts
The Wilkins Group, known for producing packaging for brands like Cadbury and Marks & Spencer, wants to ensure the local arts scene continues to thrive. You can find more information about the company and its community work by visiting its website.
