Family of Gerry Anderson launch campaign with the Oh Yeah Music Centre to raise funds for music bursary

To mark the 10th anniversary of his death, the family of beloved radio broadcaster Gerry Anderson have launched a campaign in partnership with us here at Oh Yeah and and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland to raise funds for the Gerry Anderson Music Bursary.

The bursary would provide support to upcoming musicians as they establish themselves in the industry ensuring access to education, instruments, services and resources, including affordable rehearsal and recording spaces as well as mentoring and talent development.

David Anderson, son of the radio presenter who passed away in 2014, spoke of how hearing Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol's heartfelt plea on the BBC for more arts funding, made them compelled to set up the fund.

“My Dad, Gerry, was a musician before his career took off on radio and television. We believe this bursary is a perfect tribute to his legacy. He faced the same challenges as any aspiring musician and dedicated himself to supporting and uplifting the next generation of talent."

For Gary, the connection to Gerry was a family one, “The radio was on a lot in our house growing up, and my dad was usually shouting at it, but not Gerry’s show. He would be laughing, as Gerry was not only clearly a very big hearted man but was also really funny. And I loved hearing my dad laugh. So when the name Gerry Anderson is mentioned my mind goes to my dear dad and that is a gift.

“I’m honoured to hear words I said about the arts in NI might have, in some small way, inspired his family to create this bursary to help the next generation of musicians in our wee place. And I am very proud to be associated in any way with the name Gerry Anderson.”

To contribute and learn more go to https://geraldmichaelanderson.com/gerry-anderson-music-bursary/

To donate go to https://localgiving.org/fundraising/gerryandersonbursary