Leicestershire Celebrates Great Music Education
9th February 2026
Hundreds of young people will perform at a special concert celebrating the life-changing power of music education, as funding for these programs faces growing challenges nationwide.
Leicestershire Music will host the concert at its new venue, the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester city centre, on Saturday, 21 March. The event aims to ensure that future generations have access to high-quality music education. Since 1948, Leicestershire Music has trained over 250,000 young musicians, with many former students achieving national and international recognition.
Sarah Barton-Wales, Head of Leicestershire Music, said:
“We absolutely need to keep access to music learning equitable…Having the Haymarket as our new home really helps to raise the profile of Leicestershire Music – you can hear music being made as you walk past on the street, and we hope to welcome new families and young people into the space to see what we do and how they can get involved.’
The concert program features bands, orchestras, and choirs, beginning with performances by younger musicians and culminating in an evening showcase of senior groups, including a cappella choirs and steelpan ensembles. In the last year, Leicestershire Music engaged directly with 18,000 children and young people through schools, musical performances, and community music groups, partnering with renowned organisations such as the Philharmonia and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.
This event comes at a time when music education for young people faces increasing pressure across the UK. Services like Leicestershire Music are working to maintain access to music opportunities for all, regardless of financial background.
After receiving government funding, Leicestershire Music must secure additional support through lesson fees and fundraising. The organisation is seeking extra funding to expand its fee remission scheme, making music education accessible to even more eligible young people.
To learn more about Leicestershire Music, contribute, or join the new alumni network, visit the Leicestershire Music website.
