Severn Arts’ Worcestershire Inclusive Choir will be celebrating the power of inclusive music-making at this year’s Worcestershire Creative Arts Festival (WCAF) on Saturday 7 March. 

Run by Severn Arts in partnership with Soundabout, the choir brings together young disabled people aged 25 and under, along with their families, from across the county to create music in a welcoming and accessible environment. The group sing songs chosen by its members and occasionally write their own songs, with every piece designed to ensure everyone can take part.

Gareth Hughes, Severn Arts Music Leader for the Worcestershire Inclusive Choir, said: “Running an inclusive choir is a privilege and working with Soundabout is great. When I meet the young people at the choir and share the enthusiasm for music, it makes perfect sense. The group has very diverse, creative young disabled people come together online and face-to-face twice a month to make music. We encourage everybody to attend the Worcestershire Creative Arts Festival and celebrate the wonderful music by the Worcestershire Inclusive Choir.”

WCAF is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary this year, marking 75 years of offering performing arts opportunities to children, young people and adults. The festival has tripled in size over the last three years, now presenting six full days of competitive and non-competitive music making across different forms. More choirs are performing at this year’s festival than ever before, with Worcestershire Inclusive Choir performing alongside more than 25 other groups.

This performance reflects Severn Arts’ wider mission to make arts and music accessible for all. Through initiatives such as Worcestershire Inclusive Choir, the organisation ensures that young people of all abilities have opportunities to express themselves creatively, build confidence and connect with others through music.