MUSICIANS in Monmouthshire could be among thousands affected by Arts Council cuts.

Male voice choirs, mixed choirs, brass bands and many others could find themselves affected by the decision of the Arts Council of Wales to cut funding to Ty Cerdd.

"Ty Cerdd are the unsung heroes who support amateur music-making across the whole of Wales," said Veronica German, Assembly Member for Wales South East.

"Just in Monmouthshire, they support 14 different organisations including Monmouth Choral Society, Usk Youth Brass Band and the Gwent Bach Society.

"The Arts Council have said they plan to reduce funding to this valuable organisation."

Ty Cerdd supports around 400 societies throughout Wales, with its financial assistance enabling over 20,000 people to participate in musical activities every year. 

The organisation makes grants for instrumental repairs, to buy music and to help organisations put on more ambitious events than they could afford to without financial assistance.