Museums And Archives

Sounds of the Midlands

The University of Leicester (UoL) seeks Heritage Fund support to transform the preservation and accessibility of sound heritage across the English Midlands and set up a sustainable Midlands Centre for Sound Heritage. We have a 25-year track record of safeguarding the region’s oral histories, particularly voices from under-represented communities, making us uniquely placed to lead this ambitious initiative. By digitally preserving up to 10,000 at-risk audio recordings in collaboration with four regional Access & Engagement Hubs and a range of Content Partners, the project will protect the Midlands' diverse sound heritage —including oral histories, local radio, and music. Heritage Fund investment will secure these irreplaceable archives for future generations, while building regional capacity through training, peer learning, and volunteer engagement in digital preservation and outreach. Most importantly, we will deliver sustainable, equitable access to sound heritage for communities across the Midlands.