Staff and young people at a much-loved Merseyside music project are celebrating, thanks to a two-year grant from the National Foundation for Youth Music.

Jobs at Merseyside Youth Association’s Noise project faced an uncertain future; with the longstanding service at risk of coming to an end, and staff facing the heartbreaking decision of turning young people away.

Funding from the National Foundation for Youth Music will allow the new project to host regular live events, a weekly music drop in and one-to-one development for local young people who may not be able to afford expensive private tuition.

Music leader Garth Jones says:

“It’s been a tough time for all concerned, not knowing whether the project would survive.  This Youth Music grant means we can continue supporting Merseyside’s young musicians for the next two years.”

Based at the Merseyside Youth Association’s Hanover Street HQ, the project offers musicians aged 11-21 the chance to gain a Rock School accreditation while developing a range of musical and social skills.

One of the biggest successes to come from the project is north Liverpool band The Haze, who are now set to perform to 25,000 people at INmusic Festival in Croatia this week.

Sean Walsh, lead guitarist in the band said:

“We are set to play the biggest gig of our life, supporting the likes of Jake Bugg, The Coral, Florence & The Machine and The Kooks.  We are sure many great opportunities will come from this and it’s just the start of our career.

“All of this would not have been impossible without support; five years ago we had nowhere to practice or go and relied on youth centres, most of which are struggling to stay open these days.

“The Noise Project was the lifeblood keeping the band together as there isn’t much beyond high cost practice rooms to accommodate a North Liverpool band’s needs.”

Garth Jones added:

 “We’re delighted to see the boys pushing on in the world and playing this massive gig with so many big names.  We’d love to go and support them in person but we can’t get tickets!

“Without this investment the project would have disappeared and Merseyside’s young people would be denied a chance to change their lives for the better through music.”

 For more information, please contact the Noise team on 0151 702 0700 or visit mya.org.uk