Our Story
Music Uniting People and Redefining What's Possible!
We create a more inclusive society, celebrating difference and inspiring community connection. Through amazing workshops and show-stopping performances, on stage and in schools, we empower learning disabled and neurodivergent people, of all abilities, fostering confidence, skills, and leadership potential.
The Spark That Started It All
Electric Umbrella became a registered charity in 2016, three years after we started on our journey. Founded by musician Tom Billington, and art therapist Mel Boda, the charity emerged from the recognition that there were few opportunities for learning disabled people to take to ‘the stage’.
Tom and Mel began by delivering workshops across Hertfordshire, raising small amounts of money through crowdfunding initiatives and busking opportunities. Within two years, we had delivered hundreds of hours of music workshops, performed to thousands at gigs, and held our first summer festival, Umbrellafest.
Today, we are supported by a group of amazing professional musicians, a small, dedicated staff team, and lots of wonderful volunteers.
Video: About Electric Umbrella.
Video: Interview with founders Mel and Tom.
The Heart of Our Why
At Electric Umbrella, we believe learning disabled people are all too often left behind, as social care models focus on surviving rather than thriving.
We aim to co-create amazing, meaningful experiences that help those we support learn new skills and build confidence. By empowering our members to be who they are, we challenge societal perceptions. Given the right support and fantastic opportunities, we believe anyone can be a superstar.
The Power of What We Do and Your Contribution
The Power of What We Do and Your Contribution
Our community of over 2,000 people collaborates with professional musicians to co-produce extraordinary performances.
From Singalongs and workshops to live shows and festivals, we reach tens of thousands annually. We also deliver specialist live music experiences to SEND schools across the UK and offer unique tour visits to mainstream schools with our member ambassadors.
Our members tell us that the most important thing about Electric Umbrella is friendship and belonging. For members like William, Electric Umbrella has made an enormous difference as he has found what he describes as “family”.
Your support makes this possible.
Video: William’s Electric Umbrella journey.
“[Electric Umbrella] is like family, we’d be a bit lost without it really.”
– Parent of a Electric Umbrella Member
Listen to Our Theme Song:
Video: Electric Umbrella, No Such Thing as Normal.
Inspiring Change, One Note at a Time
Music can have a magical, inspiring impact, and it truly changes lives. Join us in making the world a little more Electric Umbrella, one note at a time. Discover our education programmes and explore our activities and events.
Together, we can inspire change and create a more inclusive world.
Tune In to Our Music
Catch the latest from Electric Umbrella on Apple Music and Spotify.
Click, listen, and share the joy!
Give a little, help a lot:
Support Us, Donate Today
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