A Nottingham youth music charity that supports around 200 young musicians has received a £1,000 donation from The Wilkins Group as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the arts across the region.
The funding has been given to the Nottingham Youth Orchestra, to provide orchestral opportunities for 14 children from 12 local families.
Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, said the organisation was proud to support opportunities that allow young people to experience the arts.
He said:
“Music and the arts play such an important role in young people’s development, building confidence, teamwork and creativity. When we heard about the work the Nottingham Youth Orchestra is doing with children from across the Midlands, we knew it was exactly the type of organisation we wanted to support.
“It’s inspiring to see so many young musicians coming together to learn, perform and develop their talent, and we’re delighted that our contribution can help support the orchestra and the opportunities it provides.”
The organisation offers multiple orchestra levels for young musicians aged between eight to 18 from across the Midlands. Including training ensembles for younger players, an intermediate orchestra for students aged around 14 and above, and senior orchestras for more advanced performers.
Children who join the orchestra must have reached at least Grade 3 standard on their instrument and be able to read basic rhythms, ensuring they have the foundational musical skills to take part in rehearsals and performances. The programme welcomes players of all orchestral instruments, with many young musicians discovering the opportunity through their instrumental teachers or through word of mouth among families.
The Nottingham Youth Orchestra was founded in 1986 after the county orchestra ceased to exist. Musicians Stephen Fairlie and Derek Williams established the organisation to ensure young people in the region still had access to high-quality orchestral training. What began as a single orchestra later expanded into a two-tier system with the addition of a training orchestra, and eventually a third intermediate level as demand grew.
Today, around 200 students take part in the programme, supported by eight tutors across the different orchestral tiers, as well as three administrative staff and a team of volunteer parent helpers who assist with rehearsals and events.
The orchestra regularly performs at venues including the Albert Hall in Nottingham and attracts young musicians from across the Midlands.
Dave Leeder, a conductor with the orchestra, said:
“It’s a privilege to help these children, everyone’s accepted for who they are and all have the same attitude.”
Like many arts organisations, the orchestra faced challenges during the pandemic and moved rehearsals online during lockdown, adapting to the difficulty of coordinating dozens of musicians virtually.
The Wilkins Group is donating £1,000 every month throughout 2026 to support arts organisations and initiatives across Nottingham and the surrounding region.
The team produces food packaging for Pukka Pies, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury, and has also been recognised for bespoke products including eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.
For more information about The Wilkins Group, visit www.wilkins.co.uk
Posted on 05 May 2026
