December 20, 2013 11.21 am This story is over 122 months old

Lincoln music charity CEO awarded MBE

Services to music: A composer and CEO of a local music charity received an MBE from the Queen.

The Chief Executive of a music charity based in Lincoln has been awarded an MBE for services to music.

CEO of soundLINCS Nikki-Kate Heyes was listed in the Queen’s birthday honours list, and presented with her medal by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.

She said: “To be presented with the MBE is both a huge honour and a great privilege.

“It was a humbling experience to rub shoulders with so many true heroes from every walk of life.”

Nikki-Kate Heyes is a community musician, composer, conductor and cellist who founded soundLINCS in 1998 so remote or socially isolated communities in Lincolnshire could have a range of music-making opportunities of all genres and ability level.

SoundLINCS works especially with Early Years children and with young people in challenging circumstances, as well as workforce development or live events.

The charity is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, so now runs projects throughout the East Midlands.

Nikki-Kate Heyes added: “We’ve built a fantastic team here and it’s only through their commitment, professionalism and endless enthusiasm that we have been able to achieve so much.

“We’re planning a huge musical event at the Epic Centre in May to mark our 15 years – it’s the best way I can think of to thank everyone for all their hard work!”

As well as soundLINCS, Heyes has been Regional Council member for Arts Council England, Vice-Chair of EMARAN and past Chair of Sound Sense, plus composed for theatre and for the City of London Sinfonia.