Celebrating disability inclusion through music at Manchester Literature Festival
On 15 October 2026, students from three schools in Manchester and Salford came together at Manchester Central Library to share original music created through Create’s creative:connection programme, as part of Manchester Literature Festival.
The showcase celebrated the creativity, collaboration and friendships developed by disabled and non-disabled young people working together through music.
Students from Loreto High School, Grange School, and Chatsworth High School and Community College took part in music workshops led by five of Create’s professional musicians: Matt Dunn, Leonie Higgins, Holly Marland, Hannah McCabe and Bethan Roberts.
Together, they explored musical ideas, developed new skills and composed original pieces, culminating in a special performance at one of Manchester’s best-known cultural venues.
Bringing disabled and non-disabled students together through music
Create’s creative:connection programme brings students with special educational needs or disabilities together with students from mainstream schools to take part in inclusive creative arts projects.
Through collaborative music making, participants have opportunities to build confidence, develop communication and social skills, make friends and explore their creativity in a welcoming environment.
For many disabled children and young people, barriers including accessibility, cost and limited provision can restrict opportunities to participate in the arts. creative:connection provides free, high-quality creative experiences designed to bring young people together and encourage greater understanding of disability.
The Manchester project gave students from three different schools the opportunity to work alongside one another, contribute their individual ideas and discover what they could achieve as a group.
Going All In at Manchester Literature Festival
The showcase took inspiration from ‘Go All In’, the theme of the National Year of Reading 2026.
Throughout the workshops, each school developed its own original music, while the students also collaborated on a joint song inspired by the theme.
At Manchester Central Library, the young performers shared their compositions, including the collaborative song featuring a chorus sung together by students from all three schools.
The performance brought their creative journey to a close, celebrating not only the music they had written but also the connections formed through making it together.
Cameron* (15), who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy shared:
“I’ve been singing and playing instruments, like drums and shakers. I really love it, it’s the best thing ever.
[Performing] has made me feel very happy. Working with others has been absolutely brilliant. I don’t get the chance [to be creative] normally, but I’ve learned that I’m so interested in music. I want to be a DJ when I grow up!
[Creativity] makes you feel more confident. You enjoy yourself and there’s more happiness.
Celebrating creativity, connection and inclusion
Reflecting on the significance of the showcase, Create’s Founding Chief Executive, Nicky Goulder MBE, said:
“This performance is a celebration of inclusion and the power of creativity to bring people together. The young people on stage are showcasing both their incredible talent and the friendships built through the creative workshops. Bringing together disabled and non-disabled students through joint activities creates empathy, understanding and connection. Create was founded on the principle that people need to create, and that everyone deserves access to the creative arts, regardless of background. This event is a perfect example of the positive impact creative activities can have on individuals and communities.”
The showcase at Manchester Literature Festival highlighted what can happen when young people of different abilities are given opportunities to create alongside one another.
Through creative:connection, Create continues to bring disabled and non-disabled students together, creating opportunities for friendship, self-expression and shared achievement through the creative arts.
People Need To Create.
With thanks to The Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation for funding this project.
*Name changed to protect anonymity
