Funding Boost for Onchan Silver Band Facilities

Manx Lottery Trust is supporting Onchan Silver Band with a £2,685 grant to improve the safety and security of its much-loved band room.

Onchan Silver Band, one of the longest established brass bands in the Isle of Man, has been bringing musical joy to the local community since 1937.

The band room is central to these activities, serving not only as a rehearsal space but a hub for connection and creativity within the Onchan community. It provides a welcome space for members of all ages to rehearse, perform and build lasting friendships.

For some time now the shutter door – which is coming up to 40 years old - has not been fit for purpose, raising concerns around security and the protection of both its members and valuable instruments.

Manx Lottery Trust, through its Smaller Grant Programme, has awarded £2,685 to fund the installation of a replacement shutter door. The new door will improve security, help safeguard equipment and ensure the space remains safe and accessible for members to continue making music together.

Karen Karran from Onchan Silver Band said: “Our band room truly is at the heart of everything we do. It’s where we rehearse and connect through music each week. This funding will allow us to replace our aging shutter door and give us peace of mind that our instruments, our space and, most importantly, our members are properly protected. We are grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for supporting this important project.”

David Christian, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: “Onchan Silver Band plays an important role in our community, fostering connections and bringing people together through music. We are pleased to support the band in improving the safety and security of its band room - we hope it creates a safe space for rehearsals so they can continue delighting our ears for years to come.”

The Smaller Grants programme supports local groups and charities undertaking projects that improve community wellbeing and participation across the Isle of Man.

For more information about Manx Lottery Trust funding opportunities, visit www.mlt.org.im.