Soundworks celebrates 25 years!

For 25 years, Arts Active has been running Soundworks – a programme of regular music-making sessions for adults with additional learning needs and autism.

Starting at St David’s Hall in the autumn of 2001, Soundworks’ relaxed, friendly environment has provided welcome opportunities for social engagement, learning and reliable routine for participants and carers alike. Indeed, some participants have been attending since the very start, 25 years ago!

On Tuesday 23rd June, Arts Active celebrated the milestone with a special event at Western Leisure Centre. Special guests Ensemble 19 led an interactive, celebratory concert, together with Soundworks music leaders Philip May and Emma Davies. Music included special arrangements by Ensemble 19 of Under the Sea, Baggy Trousers and Sospan Fach. Of course, we all joined together in singing Happy Birthday as well! It was wonderful to see people of all ages and ability levels come together in this joyful celebration, dancing, singing and even having a go on some of the instruments.

We would like to thank our music leaders Phil and Emma, as well as previous music leaders Andy Pidcock and Darren Fellows and all of the special guest musicians Soundworks has welcomed over the years. A special thanks also to Western Leisure Centre for accommodating the sessions since the closure of St David’s Hall in 2023. And, of course, a big thank you to all our participants and carers who have attended Soundworks throughout the years.

To find out more about Soundworks and Arts Active’s other programmes, visit our website www.artsactive.org.uk/en