From 3–6 November, schools from Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre welcomed a dynamic global music showcase, featuring a rich and diverse programme led by talented music facilitators from around the world. This exciting initiative introduced pupils to global cultures through music, offering a mix of school assemblies, interactive workshops, and a celebratory concert for families.
The programme culminated in a joyful family showcase concert held on Thursday evening at the iconic Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens. Pupils, parents, and carers came together to sing, dance, and celebrate the music they had explored throughout the week. Each facilitator had the opportunity to reintroduce themselves, perform a piece from their own tradition, and revisit the songs taught during the school sessions—creating a vibrant, participatory experience for all.
Event Goals:
- Connect families with their children’s musical learning
- Introduce global music traditions to parents and carers
- Strengthen community bonds through shared musical experiences
- Encourage family involvement in music-making beyond the classroom
- Make singing and music accessible to everyone, regardless of experience
- Empower students by giving them the chance to teach and perform with their families
- Foster unity across Blackpool schools through a shared cultural journey
This showcase not only celebrated music but also built bridges between cultures, generations, and communities—leaving a lasting impression on all who took part.
Staining CE Primary School
We really enjoyed Blackpool Music Service’s CultureFest last week. Year 4 and 6 took part in 2 brilliant workshops followed by a whole school assembly. We then had the privilege of attending a concert at the Empress Ballroom. Well done to everyone involved. 
Boundary Primary School
Today, Year 5 had an amazing visit from The Global Music Academy!
Saied and Emma came in to teach them all about global music, focusing on sounds and instruments from Palestine and the Congo.
The children learned how to sing together in unison and even explored harmonies, which sounded incredible! They also talked about how music helps people express themselves and shared stories about their lives and cultures.
Later, the class performed as a whole ensemble using a mix of percussion and traditional instruments from both regions — it was full of energy and rhythm!
To wrap up the day, all of Key Stage 2 joined in to celebrate Year 5’s learning. Everyone in the hall sang beautifully together, while Saied wowed with his amazing Oud playing — such a special experience!
Park Community Academy
A Musical Journey Around the World! 
Today some of our KS3 and KS4 classes were visited by two incredible professional musicians – Saied Silbak from Palestine and Emmanuela Yogolelo from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Pupils were treated to a beautiful performance showcasing the rich sounds and rhythms of both cultures. They even had the chance to join in and perform themselves! 
A huge thank you to Blackpool Music Service for making this inspiring experience possible! 
Westcliff Primary Academy
On Wednesday, we had some special visitors in school, kindly organised by Blackpool Music Services. Maria and Godfrey came into school to teach us about different styles of music, as part of this year’s Culturefest and we learnt all about Colombian and African music. They taught us some songs and we got to do some dancing. The children absolutely loved it!
St John Vianney Catholic Primary School
Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed their workshops yesterday with Maria and Godfrey, for Culturefest
The amazing international performers!
From left to right:
Emmanuela Yogolelo – Singer-songwriter, facilitator, speaker and cultural leader.
Maria Monica Gutierrez (aka Montanera) – Columbian singer, songwriter and creative practitioner.
Carl Smith – Co-founder, writer and performer of the award winning global theatre show STOMP.
Godfrey Pambalipe – Specialising in African storytelling through drumming, songs and dance.
Louiai Alhenawi – Composer, educator and renowned ney soloist.
Saied Silbak – Vibrant Palestinian composer, oud player and teacher.