Lavender Fields Songwriting Project

Seven young disabled people who live at No. 1 Lavender Fields, a residential service in Hitchin run by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability, will take to the stage at this year's Rhythms of the World Festival.

Their performance on the Icehouse Stage at 3pm on Sunday 10 July follows their involvement in a six-week song writing project funded by Rhythms of the World. The group's weekly creative sessions have resulted in a set of original material that visitors to the festival will be able to enjoy.

During the course of the song writing project, the group received encouragement and support from Tom Billington, the professional musician leading the project for Rhythms of the World’s Outreach Programme. Tom worked alongside support workers at No.1 Lavender Fields.

Clare Sulch, Volunteer 'Music in Your Community' Co-ordinator for Rhythms of the World said:  "With Tom's lively style, support and encouragement the group are well on their way to producing a 30 minute set of original material."

"Each young person is working with the group to create a song that says something about them. So far the sessions have been great fun and everyone is working really well together.  The vibe is upbeat and the songs have a sense of humour about them so I think they will be able to put on a really good show."

Becks Woodhams, the Senior Support Worker at No. 1 Lavender Fields who worked closely with the Rhythms of the World team to bring the project to life for the young residents said: "Everything we do at the service is directed towards helping young disabled people to develop the skills and confidence to live independently and this project fits with this very well.  We’re extremely grateful to Rhythms of the World for their support. Everybody involved can’t wait to take to the stage on Sunday and to show how creative and inspired they can be."