UK's first inclusive youth music festival in Bristol

A blind 13-year-old pianist has joined other young disabled people in the UK's first ever inclusive music festival.

The event at the Bristol Beacon was an opportunity for people from D/deaf, neurodivergent and disabled communities to perform on a big stage. 

It is part of the nationwide Music for Youth Festival 2024 and featured 140 youngsters aged 11-25.

"I play music to inspire people, because if I can do it, you can do it too," said Chapman Shum.

Chapman was born blind due to a rare genetic condition that also affected his speech and learning abilities.

At five years old, he taught himself to play 'It's a Small World' on a toy piano after visiting Disneyland.

He played two classical piano pieces at the Beacon; Bach's Toccata in E Minor, and Chopin's Impromptu No. 3 in G-flat Major.

"Inclusion is at the heart of our mission," said chief executive, Phil Castang.

"We believe everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves and share their talents," he added.

Music for Youth is a national youth music charity working with young people aged 25 and under in the UK.

Their pilot Together for Music event in collaboration with the Beacon aimed to celebrate creativity and music-making of all abilities.

It featured group and solo performances, as well as workshops and talks from musicians at Trinity College London.

Supported by Trinity College London, business development manager Toby Davies said: "As steadfast supporters of musical diversity and community engagement, we are honoured to be part of such a transformative celebration of the power of music to unite and inspire."

"It's very fun"

Also performing was Rubik's Cube, a rock group consisting of performers aged 11-19 years from Osborne School, a special needs school in Winchester.

The students use Makaton sign language and singing to perform covers of well-known pop and rock songs.

They performed hits, including from Fleetwood Mac, Miley Cyrus, Chuck Berry and The Weekend.

"I'm looking forward to everyone watching me in the show, it's very fun," said Liam, one of the young performers.

Closer to home, Kings of Wessex Academy based in Cheddar sent its brass band along to showcase Bristol's local homegrown talented young people.

"We need to be thinking ahead about what our concert halls are for and who they're for," said Mr Castang.

"The Beacon was conceived as a really accessible space, not just for performers, but also for the public.

"It's really important that we demonstrate the value of bringing in young artists who are the next generation of performers, putting them on that stage and giving them a chance.

The Music for Youth Festival 2024 is a collection of regional festivals taking place in March across the UK and is the country's largest festival for young musicians.

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