Rockin’ Roundup — February 2026

We sprang into February with lots of planning and preparation for the exciting months ahead.

We were chuffed to be invited to the official BRITs Fringe Event in Manchester, where we had the opportunity to mix with key figures from the music industry, council leaders and even the Mayor of Greater Manchester. It was a fantastic evening spreading the word about Music Evermore and the work we’re doing to ensure young people across Manchester have access to music education and performance opportunities.

Working alongside We Will Rock You Project, we’re also preparing for a big Battle of the Bands taking place at Wythenshawe Forum Library Creative Space on Friday 20th March. Eight young acts aged 7–16 will take to the stage, with Manchester music legend Rowetta joining us as a special guest judge.

Tickets are priced at £5, with all proceeds going towards Music Evermore, helping us ensure learning music is accessible to as many young people as possible, regardless of background.

🎟 Tickets can be purchased here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/we-will-rock-you-project-battle-of-the-bands-tickets-1981163121227

Park View Academy (Miles Platting)

Funded by Heist or Hit

KS2 groups have continued learning new songs that make use of the chords introduced earlier this term — C, G, Am and F. Following the half-term break, sessions have focused on revisiting those chords and seeing what students remembered, with several groups already beginning to bring their songs together nicely.

KS1 have been developing listening skills while learning key musical concepts including tempo, dynamics and pitch. After half term, the focus will shift back towards singing as students continue to build confidence with their voices.

Peel Hall Primary Academy (Wythenshawe)

Funded by Heist or Hit

Peel Hall celebrated a very successful first half term, culminating in a special Valentine’s performance for parents.

Every group shone brightly, and it was wonderful to see how far the students have progressed over the past twelve months. The Year 1 and 2 performances were particularly moving, while KS2 delivered powerful performances that brought real energy to the show.

Seymour Road Academy (Clayton)

Funded by Rising Tide AI

Just before half term, Year 6 pupils performed their first instrumental showcase, delivering a fantastic performance and showing great confidence on their instruments.

This term, Year 1 and Year 3 are developing their singing and performance confidence, while Year 3 are also working on their instrumental skills through Riptide by Vance Joy.

Year 5 have been exploring the history of music from the 1980s, discovering everything from classic rock to synth pop and learning how these genres shaped modern music.

Webster Primary School

Funded by Rising Tide AI

Our vocal tutor has joined the team at Webster Primary School and has jumped straight into an exciting city-wide project.

Manchester will host the MOBO Awards for the first time in 2026, and Webster pupils are taking part in Manchester Sings MOBOs, a special collaboration between One Education Music, MOBO, Sing Up and Manchester City Council.

Students will learn and record Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness using professional Sing Up resources, with participating schools being credited as part of this global cultural event. We’re incredibly proud to see Webster students involved and can’t wait to see the final performance.

Wythenshawe Forum Band Sessions

Funded by Manchester City Council’s Neighbourhood Investment Fund

Our four Forum bands are working hard on their setlists in preparation for some exciting upcoming performances.

One of the big events on the horizon is ChasFest at Wythenshawe Cricket & Football Club on Sunday 3rd May, where all four groups will perform alongside a host of great acts while raising money for an important local community club.

This term, students will also begin learning basic instrument maintenance skills, including changing strings, tuning drum kits and carrying out simple repairs. Alongside this, they are expanding their repertoires in preparation for both ChasFest and the Music Evermore Summer Festival in July.

Monday groups have been diving into classic rock and indie, while Tuesday groups have been exploring everything from emo to modern pop.

🎸 Saturday Band Sessions

Our funded places in the We Will Rock You Project Saturday Band Sessions have all been working hard towards the upcoming Battle of the Bands on 20th March.

Each group is currently perfecting one song to perform in front of a busy crowd and panel of judges — and they are all sounding fantastic. The energy and excitement across the sessions has been brilliant to see as students prepare for their moment on stage.

Thank You

We’re now reaching up to 1,000 children and young people every week across schools, community venues and youth settings — something we are incredibly proud of.

Thank you to our funders, partners, tutors, schools, families and young people for making this possible.