This project aims to expand the programme of music-related workshops, mentoring and participation events that take place prior to and during Lancaster Music Festival (LMF). LMF is a not-for-profit grassroots festival taking place annually in October which aims to bring the community of Lancaster together through music. It celebrates the wonderful diversity and quality of musicians and performers in the local area, providing a platform for the district’s musicians, community music groups, practitioners and arts organisations, whilst also inviting acts from all over the globe. With this funding we would increase the number of family-friendly activities; take more musicians into more primary schools prior to the festival; take live music into healthcare environments so that patients and residents can be part of the festival; increase our mentoring of local young talent; and widen the scope of activities where anybody can join in regardless of age or ability.

What we'll deliver:

• 8 themed music sessions in 2 more primary schools facilitated by local and visiting acts eg Massive Wagons prior to LMF
• More activities for under 5s (1 immersive show & 4 participation sessions) at more locations around the city during LMF
• Initiate live music performances (6 in total) in hospitals and care homes during LMF
• Introduce 4 drum circles for local healthcare groups such as Defying Dementia during LMF
• 5 more music industry mentoring sessions for young musicians prior to LMF
• 5 more singing and drumming workshops for the general public at locations such as Gregson Community Centre during LMF
• 6 more dance participation sessions for the general public in the city’s public spaces during LMF
• 1 day of instant songwriting sessions with members of public (all ages and abilities) during LMF hosted by music mentors

Why it's a great idea:

The benefits of this project will be to: - Increase access for all abilities and ages to an established arts event - Provide opportunities for young people to gain experience in the music industry increasing paid employment options - Create a legacy of new musicians to help sustain Lancaster’s musical culture into the future - Provide extra-curricular musical and emotional learning for primary children - Increase positive health and wellbeing through dance and music workshops - Provide paid and volunteering opportunities for musicians, creatives and support staff - Provide economic and promotional benefit to Lancaster’s arts, heritage and cultural venues - Widen the appeal of and add value to the festival itself, increasing the sense of civic pride and economic impact of the event - Provide opportunity to train and include more festival volunteers who can benefit other arts events - Increase sense of ownership of the festival by the community through increased inclusion opportunities

Steps to get it done:

• Research, consult, schedule and book workshop facilitators
• Commission new activities
• Liaise with activity venues and schedule activities
• Research, consult and liaise with potential healthcare partners
• Review and where necessary update risk assessments and safeguarding & accessibility policies
• Promote the workshop opportunities and recruit young musicians
• Deliver the workshops and mentoring sessions prior to and during the LMF weekend
• Gather feedback and evaluate the impact and benefit of the project

This project expanding music-related activities at the festival will have particular impact in the two areas specified above. In addition, the wider festival now attracts an audience of over 55,000 over the weekend with an economic benefit for the city estimated in excess of £3.5 million. Producing participatory music activities will add to economic growth as more people will be engaged with the festival and out spending around the city or travelling to visit as audience or participants.