Connecting through music: Disabled AND NON-DISabled students perform together AT MANCHESTER Literature Festival
Young people from Manchester and Salford showcased original music celebrating inclusion and creativity, as part of Manchester Literature Festival.
On Friday 24 October, students from four schools across Manchester and Salford took the stage at Manchester Central Library to perform original music that they had co-created with professional musicians. The performance celebrated the culmination of creative:connection, an inclusive music project led by Create.
creative:connection brings together disabled and non-disabled students to collaborate, create and connect through music, while breaking down barriers. Students from Loreto High School, Chatsworth High School, Grange School and New Park Academy worked with Create’s team of professional musicians – Matt Dunn, Holly Marland, Hannah McCabe and Bethan Roberts – to write and rehearse their own original compositions inspired by Manchester Literature Festival’s 2025 theme: ‘Celebrate!’.
Each pair of schools (Grange/Loreto; Chatsworth/New Park) created their own musical pieces, and together they co-wrote a unifying group song. The final performance was a joyful, shared celebration of self-expression, collaboration and creativity.
Create’s Founding CEO, Nicky Goulder MBE said:
“creative:connection is a celebration of the joy and power of collaboration. Bringing together disabled and non-disabled young people through the creative arts helps build empathy, connection and confidence in all participants. At Create, we believe that everyone – regardless of background or ability – should have the chance to express themselves, be heard and be celebrated. We’re thrilled to be returning to Manchester Literature Festival to showcase the remarkable creativity of these talented young people.”
creative:connection supports the development of communication, social skills and confidence in the participants. With many disabled children and young people facing reduced access to the creative arts due to cost, accessibility or lack of provision, this programme provides free, high-quality creative opportunities in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The performance was an uplifting afternoon celebrating the young people’s creativity and talent and a reminder of the power of the arts to connect us all.
For more information about the event, please visit https://manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/creative-connection
