Transforming Communities

Six ‘Round Here performances held across England

Festivities in Weston-super-Mare to launch "Dancing Above The Sea"

Six brand-new compositions were showcased in July across six locations around England, as ‘Round Here (a Historic England HSHAZ and Live Music Now project) held its public performances.

In Barrow-in-Furness, Brierley Hill, Chatham, Huddersfield, Tottenham and Weston-super-Mare, local residents from across generations spent time reminiscing about their High Streets, before musicians composed those memories into lyrics and songs. In each location, emerging musicians worked together with a professional musician to compose and perform the songs, offering opportunities for up-and-coming local musical talent.

Here’s a wonderful wrap-up video produced for the event in Weston-super-Mare.

The events were joyous occasions, with local people coming together to perform and celebrate their local areas.

Live Music Now CEO, Janet Fischer, said: “It was such a privilege to experience and play a small part in the national performances of ‘Round Here. Hearing the incredible songs that young people and Live Music Now musicians composed together was inspiring, and brought to life so many different aspects of their local areas. It was such a privilege to partake in all of the amazing musical talent that exists in our communities. I’m really looking forward to seeing the music videos that will be produced of the songs and released in September, and to our continued work with new partners across the UK.”
 
As Janet indicates, the compositions will now be produced into a series of music videos, celebrating the secrets of heritage in our High Streets, by Connor Divers, the project’s Digital Creative. These will be released in September 2022.
 
Schoolchildren from Brockmore Primary School take part in the premiere of "The Beauty of Brierley Hill"
In Barrow-in-Furness, professional musician Maz O’Connor and emerging musician Jorgie Wilson worked with George Hastwell School & Risedale Care Home to compose the song. In Brierley Hill, professional musician Chris Roberts and emerging musician Zac Lowe worked with Brockmore Primary School & Harry’s Café. In Chatham, Thomas Harvey and Dani Osoba collaborated with the children of Trinity School to write and perform the song, during the opening of IntraFest 2022 at Sun Pier House in Medway. In Huddersfield, Chris Ruffoni and Jessica Whyke worked with Castle Hill School, while in Tottenham, Elliott Morris and Jamal Jones engaged pupils of Vale School and The Brook School in the process. In Weston-super-Mare, Tara Baggott and William Crawford composed “Dancing Above The Sea” with Bay Tree School, Herons’ Moor School and Acer House.
 

‘Round Here is commissioned by Historic England as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones’ Cultural Programme, led by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Cultural Programme aims to make our high streets more engaging and vibrant places.

Performers premiere the Chatham 'Round Here song at Sun Pier House