Music festival is silenced by lack of funds

AN annual festival of youth music in the Capital has been cancelled because of a lack of funds.

The Festival of British Youth Orchestras, held each summer in Edinburgh and Glasgow, coinciding with the International Festival, cannot find 50,000 needed for this year's event.

Professor George Caird, chairman of organising body the National Association of Youth Orchestras (Nayo), said: "It is a sad story but there will be no festival this year – unless someone steps forward with the 50,000 we need.

"The festival has run for many years and been a great success for Scotland and for Nayo, but it is not going to proceed. We are not saying it is the end of the festival."

Nearly 30 youth choirs and orchestras performed at last year's festival at Methodist Central Hall, Tollcross. Last month, Nayo chiefs spent two days in Edinburgh and Glasgow unsuccessfully seeking support from the local authorities and the Scottish Arts Council.