Arts Council England (ACE) has confirmed that, as part of the government’s Culture Recovery Funding awards, Black Dyke Band is to receive funding of £76,000. ACE statements confirm that as part of an overall package totalling £1.57bn, designed to support arts organisations whose financial viability has been threatened by the Covid-19 pandemic, funding has been awarded to Black Dyke in order that it can pursue plans which serve to ensure a sustainable future and continue to bring joy to local communities as well as international audiences. The use of funds will be very specific in enabling the band to deliver three planned projects, promoting education, repertoire for smaller groups and community engagement, which will in turn deliver income streams providing financial stability at a time when usual income such as concert fees is simply not possible. The detailed plan, brought together by the trustees of the band, will now be worked up and delivered over the next six months. Speaking on behalf of the trustees, the band’s Music Director, Professor Nicholas Childs commented; “We are delighted that Arts Council England have seen fit to confirm this funding, which results from a very detailed piece of planning work prepared by our board of trustees. We are excited to be able to contemplate the delivery of these imaginative projects, details of which will become clear in the weeks and months ahead”. The band continues to plan for a return to rehearsals, having spaciously re-laid its bandroom and added Covid-secure fixtures such as protective screens, although no date is yet set for resumption given current government restrictions.