Award-Winning Youth Music Project in Cheshire Faces Fight for Survival
The Nest Northwest – a vibrant youth music initiative delivered...29 Apr 2025
Award-Winning Youth Music Project in Cheshire Faces Fight for Survival
The Nest Northwest – a vibrant youth music initiative delivered by Edsential Musical Routes – has just been crowned winner of the Children and Youth Arts Award at the Cheshire West Community and Voluntary Arts Awards. But even with this recognition, the future of the much-loved project hangs in the balance.
Launched in 2023 and based at The Hive in Winsford. The Nest Northwest has offered free weekly workshops for 13–16-year-olds to explore all aspects of life as a modern musician. Over the past two years, the project has reached over 323 young people. Delivered 490+ hours of tuition, hosted five major live events, and even helped young bands record their own albums.
The programme was praised by judges for its inclusive approach, the quality of its tutors — led by Jake Barnabas of The Luka State — and its inspiring impact on young people’s confidence, creativity, and career aspirations.
Participants have performed at music festivals, learned sound engineering skills, and worked alongside professionals who have graced major stages like Leeds and Reading.
However, without new funding, these weekly sessions could soon come to an end.
The programme was initially funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is now drawing to a close.
“It’s incredible to see how The Nest has transformed the lives of so many young people. Winning this award is something to celebrate, but it also highlights just how important it is to keep this work going.” said Alex Harper, Musical Routes Area Lead. “We urgently need support to keep the doors open.”
The Nest Northwest team is now calling on music industry partners, corporate sponsors, charitable foundations, and celebrity advocates to help secure the future of the project.
If you can help support young musicians in Cheshire, or know someone who could, please get in touch.
Find out more about The Nest Northwest’s work:
THE NEST NORTHWEST (@the_nest_northwest) • Instagram photos and videos
Stream The Nest Northwest music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud
The Nest North West – Delivered by Edsential Musical Routes – YouTube