A brand new on street show created and performed by over 40 young musicians of Blackburn.

Devised and led by young people from across the town in the weeks before the National Festival of Making. Music Leaders will work with young people in different community centres across the town in the weeks before the event before coming together as a mass ensemble to develop and teach each other their songs, pieces and to tell their stories with performances led by the young musicians themselves. A 25-minute piece that tells a story of place, of life growing up in different diverse communities across Blackburn, of celebrating heritage.

Dhol drummers playing traditional grooves, with young choirs singing songs about their place, their home, their heritage in 4 part harmony. Refugee music groups telling stories of finding their way in a new world with samba drummers from the other side of Blackburn.

Each group having the opportunity to showcase their music, their ideas whilst then supporting each other throughout the performance.

Work took place in Mill Hill, Accrington Road, Little Harwood, Blackburn Youth Zone, The Bureau and with local refugees, both before and after the Festival. Drummers, beatboxers, singers, instrumentalists all playing and working together on the same piece. Developing confidence, skills and links between communities outside of the Festival with additional mini performances and gatherings post festival in local communities – in partnership with community centres and the local music hub.

This project has been made possible by More Music