Creativity. Inspiration. Teamwork. All important qualities for a musician and all qualities that are developed by the opportunity perform abroad with fellow music makers.

That is exactly what we are fundraising for here. To allow the young people of Salford the opportunity to travel together to mainland Europe on tour, performing concerts and taking part in activities that will strengthen their bonds and develop their skills.

MAPAS is Salford's Music and Performing Arts Service, and we have been organising music tours abroad for over a decade, and feedback is always overwhelmingly positive. In 2018, senior groups travelled to France and Belgium and when they returned, one parent commented:

But in these difficult financial times, the rising costs of tours mean that some families are no longer able to afford these opportunities for their children. Therefore, we are raising funds to subsidise the cost and ensure that the trips are accessible to any of our young musicians who want to take part.

With financial support already pledged from the Friends of MAPAS (our parent-led organisation), we are looking for a further push to allow as many people as possible to benefit. Please give generously, support us by organising your own events or come along to events that MAPAS are organising, to help develop and enhance the opportunities available to these young musicians.