Representatives from More Music were invited by His Majesty King Charles III to attend a reception at Windsor Castle in recognition of the charity’s community music making in Morecambe.
More Music team members attended the reception in Windsor on Thursday 3rd April where they met The King, alongside The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in Windsor.
Community musician Jack Boynton says of the experience,
“I was invited as part of More Music’s Eco Collective, the charity’s young producing group, who are planning a community climate action music festival Three Degrees Festival in July this year. I started at More Music as a participant ten years ago and really appreciate the guidance and support I’ve received from the organisation as a participant, trainee music leader, volunteer and community musician. I’m grateful for the way More Music values creativity and its approach to learning and community and has allowed me to grow musically and
personally”.
The More Music staff attended the reception, hosted by His Majesty to recognise supporters of community music across the UK.
Marianne Barraclough, Executive Director, More Music, says,
“It was an honour to be invited to attend the royal reception, celebrating the best of community music making in the UK, and flying the flag for Morecambe and the North West.”
The evening featured The London Gay Men’s Chorus who performed in the Waterloo Chamber during arrivals, which preceded performances in the Waterloo Chamber from by YolanDa Brown, The Royal College of Music, and Sing for Freedom Choir compèred by Katie Derham. The evening concluded with a reception in St. George’s Hall, with a
performance from The Songs for Ukraine Chorus.
Ashley Murphy, Music Leader described the occasion,
“it was a great experience to be in the castle surrounded by amazing organisations celebrating community music. The performances were fantastic. What a lovely event to be part of!”
Maxine Draycott, More Music’s Young Person’s Social Prescriber, says
“I was really surprised how relaxed, friendly and at ease we were. It was brilliant to have the opportunity to share the work that we do, and in particular to talk about our work with Eco Collective around the climate crisis.”
Jack Boynton, Community Musician, reflects,
“To have been in such a beautiful room filled with amazing musicians being recognised for our contributions to community music felt wonderful. It’s a rare opportunity to share with like-minded organisations the values that community music represents. I felt a sense of achievement, gratitude and a connection to the other attendees.”
More Music are currently fundraising to continue the work they do with disabled and learning-disabled people through Beat of Morecambe Bay and donations can be made online www.spacehive.com/beats-of-morecambe-bay.
For more information on More Music please visit www.moremusic.org.uk.
More Music is supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation, Youth Music, Lancaster City Council and Arts Council England.
