Enjoy our vibrant showcase of theatre, dance, live music, and animation created by young people from Afrocats, Community Arts North West, Band on the Wall, and Culture Bridge’s community-based creative engagement programmes.
Expect a joyful medley of performances highlighting Manchester’s young talent, including children and young people who have recently settled in the UK.
Experience the energy and talent of young dancers as Afrocats showcase a dynamic blend of African, Asian, and Caribbean dance styles. This inspiring performance by girls and young women from diverse backgrounds demonstrates how dance can be a powerful tool for growing confidence and self-expression. Guided by Joy Ogboko, the performers bring their passion to the stage in a celebration of diversity, strength, and creativity.
Without Borders combines the creative talents of eleven young musicians with diverse global roots. The band play an eclectic mix of contemporary, self-penned and traditional music inspired by different styles, genres and global heritages. Without Borders has rehearsed at Band on the Wall since November 2024 with Music Leader Sanja Govorčin with creative support from Alex Rouault, Katherine Rogers and guest musicians.
Melody in Motion is an inspiring multi-media piece, featuring live music and animation, exploring issues that matter to a group of young people aged 13 – 20 from diverse backgrounds, including those who have experienced displacement or forced migration. Animation created by the young people from their artwork will accompany live music performed by the group.
Children and young people from Culture Bridge perform The Farmer and the Donkey, a traditional tale exploring themes of friendship, faith and honesty. The play was originally developed in the Kurdish language but will be performed at the Horizons Festival in English. Enjoy dance and music as part of the performance.
Artist Bios
Afrocats is a Black and female-led charity working closely with communities and people to create inspiring experiences and opportunities, working together to address and dismantle inequality.
Without Borders is produced by CAN and Band on the Wall, as part of the National Heritage Lottery Fund supported programme, World of Song.
Melody in Motion was created through a partnership with Trafford Creative Industries and The Cosgrove Hall Films Archive. The young people have worked with animators, Johnathan Garvey, Sanna Räsänen and CAN’s Music Leader, Emma Marsh.
Culture Bridge is a non-for-profit organization facilitating a dialogue of communication and trust between cultures and the advancement of education of the general public. This performance is developed through Culture Bridge’s Nishtiman School, which supports young people to learn Kurdish language and culture.
