Much-loved youth music programme in Cheshire risks closure

Time is ticking to secure funding for sessions that support young people in the music industry

The Nest Northwest project, ran by Edsential, is urgently seeking funding to support with their music programme. Thanks to previous funding, Edsential have been running free weekly music workshops for 13 to 16-year-olds to play, write and perform whilst learning what goes on behind-the-scenes in the music industry.

Previously known as Live @ The Hive, the funding has so far seen 9 bands formed, where they have taken part in 3 live performances, as well as performing at 2 music festivals.

Alex Harper, Music Area Lead, from Edsential, wants to ensure this vital programme continues. He said;

“Despite our ongoing efforts to secure funding for these music sessions, we have so far been unsuccessful, with funding set to end this month. A recent report by Youth Music, found that 57% of young people in the North West felt that they weren’t supported when making music. This programme has given so many opportunities, where young people can network and be supported to believe in themselves. We are urgently looking to continue this by finding funding opportunities.”

The aim of the sessions is to inspire young talent by giving them the skills to embark on a career in the music industry.

Jake Barnabas, Drummer from The Luka State, who recently opened Leeds and Reading Main Stage, and is the Creative Director for this project. Jake said;

“It’s always been a personal goal of mine to work on a grassroots music project close to home. It’s been an absolute pleasure to pull together my contacts and offer experiences that I know I would have leapt at the opportunity of doing when I was that age.”

The programme has so far welcomed over 300 young people who have enjoyed 200+ hours of tuition. With young people even creating and recording their own album at Fox Barn Studios, engineering the track and then filming a music video.

Jake Barnabas (pictured left) supporting young people at Fox Barn Studios

One young person, who takes part in the sessions said;

“Other than this, I don’t have a very musical life, it gives me something that I can express and that I’m really proud of”.

Edsential are urgently looking for funding opportunities to continue this life-changing provision for young people. If you are able to fund a session or you are a company wanting to fund this programme, please get in touch via music@edsential.co.uk

To watch the music videos created by young people, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjuuZvefDPVVLh2HXmtfR_n3slmKCZN-v