An Inclusive Schools Music Event UK Pupils Will Never Forget
On a bright day in June, over 1500 students from 40 mainstream and SEND schools poured into St Albans Cathedral and took part in Shine a Light, an inclusive schools music event UK schools won’t soon forget.
A Celebration Months in the Making
This wasn’t just a one-day wonder. Shine a Light was the joyful conclusion of a year-long journey that began in classrooms across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and North London. Using Electric Umbrella’s original songs and ready-made learning resources, schools explored inclusion through music, with some even teaming up across mainstream and SEND settings to rehearse together and build meaningful friendships before the event.
Claire Boulter, Head of Education and Programmes at Electric Umbrella, said:
“Shine a Light is a celebration of everything we’ve developed with schools over the past few years; using our original music to unite mainstream and SEND schools, spark vital conversations around inclusion and empower children to find their voices without inhibition. To see everyone here singing their hearts out and celebrating difference is truly amazing!”
Mainstream Schools Felt the Magic Too
When describing the project as a whole, one teacher said:
“The children and staff loved the songs, it was their favourite time of the week when we would rehearse and they would sing (and are still singing) the songs.”
And on the day itself, another teacher said:
“Everyone enjoyed the experience. It was lovely to see children from both mainstream and SEND schools all together enjoying.”
For every student and every school, the atmosphere was the same: celebratory, safe, and completely free from judgment. That’s what makes Shine a Light such a powerful, inclusive school’s music event in the UK as it’s not about performance, it’s about belonging.
“Absolutely Everything I Want the World to Be”
For one teacher from Castle School, a SEND setting that travelled from Walsall to attend, the experience was life-changing:
“Today was incredible! Absolutely, the very best day of my teaching career. It meant so much to our children to come and not only see Electric Umbrella but to be part of it… I can’t stop thinking about just how amazing today was — Electric Umbrella is absolutely everything I want the world to be.”
“I always make sure to take my kids everywhere as they absolutely deserve to, but we don’t always have the easiest of times. I just really hope it’s something you guys can do every year.”
A Setting That Matched the Moment
The day began with a stunning welcome, with students being greeted by Dale, an Electric Umbrella musician, who played a mix of classics and original tunes on the Cathedral organ. From there, the energy only built as our team of musicians and members led the children in a high-energy musical experience filled with movement, smiles and unforgettable moments.
Steve Clarke, Education Officer at St Albans Cathedral, captured it perfectly:
“What an amazing event – I’m almost lost for words! To see so many people joining together to celebrate music and unity in such a joyful way was truly inspirational. I’m sure today will live long in the memories of all who were here.”
Want Your School to Get Involved?
If you’d like to bring the joy of Shine a Light to your school, we’d love to hear from you. Electric Umbrella runs inclusive school music programmes across the UK, including in-person visits, and our Inclusion Academy is perfect for schools that want to make inclusion part of everyday life.
Got a question? Email us at schools@electricumbrella.co.uk
