FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE: The students will perform at Manchester Central Library (File image: Sean Hansford / Manchester Evening News)

Later this week, students from four schools across Manchester and Salford will take the stage at Manchester Central Library to perform original music that they have co-created with professional musicians. The performance celebrates the culmination of creative:connection, an inclusive music project led by national creative arts charity, Create.

creative:connection brings together disabled and non-disabled students to collaborate, create and connect through music, while breaking down barriers. This year, students from Loreto High School, Chatsworth High School, Grange School and New Park Academy have been working 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) have created their own musical pieces, and together they have co-written a unifying group song. The final performance will be a joyful, shared celebration of self-expression, collaboration and creativity.

Nicky Goulder MBE, Create’s founding CEO, 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.