Future Talent is joining forces with a North Yorkshire-based music charity to provide increased support for young musicians in Yorkshire and the North East.
July 22, 2026
Yorkshire Music Future Fund was founded in 2015 by Dr Anthony Gillham MBE (whose home is at Oldstead near Thirsk) and Robin Andrews MBE (whose home is at Nunnington in Ryedale) to provide grants for performance and projects in genres ranging from classical recitals to brass band competitions, choral workshops and musical theatre.
Recipients of YMFF grants have included the Northern Aldborough Festival, Ripon Choral Society, Steel City Choristers of Sheffield, De Mowbray Music in Thirsk, North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre and Helmsley Arts Centre.
YMFF has also been strongly committed to helping young brass musicians from all backgrounds to improve their skills and confidence and has assisted the training of brass band conductors.
YMFF supported players aged 11 to 16 from northern brass bands at annual Huddersfield and Durham competitions, providing funds for 27 young musicians for three years’ tuition and a further 27 over the next five years. A YMFF-funded brass day in York was attended by 72 young musicians who were tutored by members of the Black Dyke Band and played in a public concert. YMFF brass grants have also been made to Yorkshire Imperial Band and Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band.
Dr Anthony Gillham MBE, YMFF founder, Chris Guénault, Director of Programmes & Partnerships, Future Talent, Emily Neale, Programme & Relationship Manager, Future Talent, Robin Andrews MBE, YMFF founder
The addition of YMFF funds to existing Future Talent resources will enable Future Talent to expand its reach in Yorkshire and the North East, increasing the number of young musicians supported and developing established YMFF relationships.
Edward Seymour, a YMFF trustee who is Director of Music at Ampleforth College, will join Future Talent’s board of advisors.
Dr Anthony Gillham said: ‘Yorkshire Music Future Fund’s trustees are delighted to partner with Future Talent — which has strong Yorkshire roots through its founder, the Duchess of Kent. YMFF has made valuable and varied contributions to the musical life of our region over the past decade. But we believe much more can be achieved through Future Talent, as a national charity with an outstanding reputation for nurturing young musical talent.’
Ben Margetts, CEO of Future Talent said: ‘We are honoured that YMFF has trusted Future Talent with its legacy, and we are excited to build on its fantastic achievements. Increasing both the number of young musicians we support in the region, and the number of development opportunities we can offer them, are key strategic priorities for us. We are delighted that this partnership will help accelerate those plans and enable us to support more young musicians in the years to come.’
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