Everyone at music-net wants to congratulate the Citadel on their fantastic success in securing a Big Lottery award for their Music Mecca project. We're looking forward to hearing all about it at our music-net meeting in October.

It’s a three year project for young people aged 10-18, including those who are disadvantaged or disengaged, to participate in weekly music workshops and access monthly dry bar music events at the Citadel. The project, which will be led by a steering group of young people, will also see a new Citadel interactive website.

The project was conceived by young people in St Helens, through consultation with the Citadel, and the successful bid was supported by St.Helens Council.

The project is expected to start in January 2010 and music workshop activity will be free to attend.

Councillor Wally Ashcroft: Executive Member for Culture, Sport and Heritage, says: “This important funding will enable many of the Borough's young people to access, and benefit from, music activity which will greatly enhance the cultural offer in St.Helens.”

Citadel Chief Executive Fay Lamb added: “The Citadel is extremely pleased with the success of the Music Mecca bid and grateful to Big Lottery Young Peoples Fund 2 for supporting this important project. We are looking forward to working with young people and partners to delivery the three year programme of Music Mecca activity which we are sure will really make a difference to the lives of young people in St Helens.”