Little Britain star David Walliams supports threatened Camden music service

by Tim Lamden Tuesday, March 12, 2013
6:11 PM

Comedian David Walliams has stepped in to help save a much-loved council music service offering opportunities to 5,000 Camden children, which is under threat from government spending cuts.

The Little Britain star has been appointed patron of Camden Music Trust, a charity supporting the council’s music education service, which faces an annual £250,000 shortfall when the cuts come into force next month.

Mr Walliams, 41, dropped in at Camden School for Girls in Sandall Road, Kentish Town, on Sunday to watch some of the orchestras and music groups, which benefit from the service, rehearse.

The visit marked the launch of a campaign by the trust to raise £250,000 annually to sustain the borough’s music service in light of the cuts.

Reflecting on his visit, Mr Walliams said: “I was really impressed. There is a professional standard here. I really enjoyed listening to the musicians.”

The council’s music service currently provides a range of lessons in schools across the borough as well as holiday courses and weekend ensembles and orchestras.

It also helps to fund bursaries for disadvantaged children whose families are unable to afford these weekend and holiday groups.

Camden Council has pledged to donate £30,000 to Camden Music Trust to kickstart their fundraising efforts to save the service.

Cllr Angela Mason, cabinet member for children, said: “It is tragic that the government cut the money. What we have decided to do is invest in the Camden Music Trust which we think will be able to raise the money to bridge the shortfall. It is a wonderful service – I’m sure it’s the best music service in the country.”