Murley Silver Band has launched a fundraising appeal to raise £20,000 for a new bandroom in Fivemiletown, County Tyrone. The Championship Section brass band, which marked its centenary in 2024, is constructing the facility to provide a permanent base for music, education, and tuition.

The former bandroom was demolished to make way for the new build on Edfield Way, a bypass route around the town. Construction is underway, with the roof completed and windows scheduled as the next phase.

The band has approximately 50 members, including 35 senior players and 15 juniors. Co-chair Stephen Bloomfield said the project was inspired by the band’s 100th anniversary celebrations, during which it released a CD and a history book that sold all 200 copies.

Bloomfield said the band is committed to developing young musicians, which motivated the fundraising effort. The organisation provides free music education and instruments to people of all ages.

The project has received support from local businesses and churches, and Bloomfield noted the band is cross-community supported.

Donations can be made through the band’s JustGiving page.