St Annes Music Festival
Some of our young students were offered the chance to perform at St Anne's Music Festival on Sunday
30th August 2026 at Lowther Gardens and had a fantastic time. This brilliantly organised event approached us asking if we would like to participate and 2 of our bands supported by a grant given from the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent fund took to the stage and had a fabulous time.
The grant has was awarded to us to ensure we can provide the tutor and facilities to have 6 groups of students learning how to play as a group, build confidence, and manage the everyday mental health challenges that so many young people face today.
Beyond learning chords and rhythms, playing in a collaborative ensemble serves as a powerful psychological tool. A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry highlighted that learning a musical instrument directly supports emotion processing and anxiety regulation in youth. Furthermore, research from PLOS ONE emphasizes that collective, group music-making dramatically boosts interpersonal communication skills and self-esteem. By providing a structured, supportive space to connect without the immediate pressure of traditional social interactions, our young musicians are actively building resilience and overcoming social anxiety.
This incredible progression has been on full display throughout the summer. Prior to their success at Lowther Gardens, our bands took to the historic Stanley Park Bandstand, delivering another spectacular live set that showcased just how much their musicality and stage presence have grown.
None of this would be possible without the generous backing of our community partners. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund. Their vital funding has allowed us to keep our expert tutor in place and give these young people a platform to shine, feel heard, and grow into confident individuals.
The journey doesn't stop here! Fuelled by their summer successes, our bands are already back in the rehearsal room preparing for their next live gig this coming October. Stay tuned for dates and venue announcements—you won't want to miss them!
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