In a heartwarming collaboration, young residents of Leigh, Greater Manchester, have joined forces with the renowned indie pop band, the Lottery Winners, to create a captivating anthem celebrating their hometown. The result is 'Song for Leigh', a powerful musical masterpiece that aims to spread joy and pride among the community.
This unique project, supported by the Lottery Winners, showcases the incredible talent and creativity of the town's youth. It began as an initiative to engage young people in songwriting sessions, allowing them to share their experiences and aspirations for the future of Leigh. The lyrics, crafted by the young artists, reflect their personal connection to the town and its history.
One of the performers, Kerrick Mills, described the experience as 'phenomenal', emphasizing the impact of witnessing the song's premiere in front of a large crowd. The Lottery Winners' frontman, Thom Rylance, shared a similar sentiment, expressing his awe at working with his peers in a professional recording studio. He highlighted the importance of providing opportunities and encouragement to working-class communities, where brilliant songwriters and artists often go unnoticed.
The song's production involved pupils from Bedford High School, Lowton High School, and the Spirix Youth Theatre, a local dance collective. The project was led by Amy Hodgson, a producer from Spirix, and funded by Down to Earth and Arts Council England. The music video, released to celebrate the young artists' involvement in music, dance, and the visual arts, further showcases the talent and dedication of the community.
Despite the creative hub of Wigan, with approximately 500 creative businesses, only 1.5% of local jobs are in the creative sector, which is below the Greater Manchester average. This disparity underscores the need for more opportunities and support for young artists like Marti Boardman, who expressed the challenge of pursuing their dreams in the industry. The collaboration between the Lottery Winners and the young residents of Leigh not only creates a powerful anthem but also serves as a catalyst for fostering creativity and providing valuable experiences for the town's emerging talent.
