Edmonton Battle of the Bands Grand Final Concert!

Edmonton children rock out as part of ground-breaking project!

100 children from the Edmonton area treated their friends and family to a rock concert last week at the Millfield Theatre in Edmonton, North London, all made possible by the national music charity, Youth Music.

The local children were given the chance to be part of a rock band by The Edmonton Community Partnership who worked with Youth Music to fund lessons from Rocksteady Music School.

Children from eight different schools across Edmonton spent five months learning to play songs such as ‘Blinded by your Grace’ by Stormzy, ‘Shotgun’ by George Ezra, and ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ by Guns ‘n’ Roses.

The project set out to raise children’s aspirations in the Edmonton area and teach children team work through music, while boosting wellbeing and confidence.

“It was an honour to watch the children achieve beyond their expectations, they really rocked it. Playing in a band is an amazing experience for children, and we were thrilled to work with Youth Music and the Edmonton Community Partnership to teach such an inspiring group of young people. The confidence boost will stay with the children for years to come - that is what is so special about playing music in a group.” - Ben Millier, Head of Impact, Rocksteady Music School.

“Some of these children had absolutely no confidence at the beginning of the project and had never stepped on to a stage before. To see them work together as a team and perform in front of a large audience at Millfield Theatre was absolutely amazing. Projects such as Battle of The Bands funded by Youth Music are crucial to raising children’s aspirations, supporting new skills and showing them just what they can achieve and what a brilliant afternoon it was!” - Clare-Louise Mussell, Partnership Manager.

“Our young artists really enjoyed the moment and made us proud. They had the time of their life, overcoming anxiety barriers to stand on the stage and perform in front of the live audience.” - Yousoof Dauhoo, Assistant Head, West Lea School.

“It was great to see so many children being able to have a go at something which will be completely new to most of them. The fact that they then, having committed time to work together for a performance, were able to perform it on such a large stage under all the lights and with a live audience. Our children loved it and were buzzing about it afterwards. The commitment and enthusiasm of those from Rock Steady as they worked with the bands, was excellent” - Kate Turnpenny, Chief Executive, Children First Academy Trust.

"Thank you! The children all loved it. It was so great watching them confidently play instruments which they had only learnt a few weeks ago. The way they were able to play instruments, sing and perform confidently as a band was amazing to watch. They loved the experience and we are so glad we got to be a part of it!” - Hannah O Halloran, Music Lead, St Edmunds School.