2,000 Young Performers in Harrow Thanks to John Lyon’s Charity Funding
Young Harrow Foundation helped facilitate the grant and support to local charities. The initiative has opened doors for children and teenagers who might not have had access to arts and cultural experiences, through workshops and activities covering everything from cultural music to drama, rock band performances, and inclusive dance. Young people from all backgrounds have been able to develop their skills and step outside their comfort zones.
Breaking Down Barriers to Arts Engagement
Harrow, one of London’s boroughs with traditionally low engagement from young people in the arts, has been the focus of concerted efforts to change this narrative. The £80,000 grant from John Lyon’s Charity is an important step in addressing these challenges, ensuring that local children and teens have access to enriching activities that foster creativity, confidence, and personal growth.
“Performing arts provide young people with much more than just a platform for creative expression,” said Dan Burke, CEO of Young Harrow Foundation. “They help to build confidence, communication skills, and teamwork—all things that will serve them well in the future. We're grateful to the support of John Lyon's Charity and Harrow School who, like us, are so passionate about supporting projects that make the arts accessible to young people in Harrow."
A Diverse Range of Projects
The funded programmes have been as varied as the young people they serve. Cultural music workshops allowed participants to explore their heritage and learn traditional musical styles, while drama projects helped them gain confidence and develop their storytelling abilities. Rock band performances offered young musicians a chance to hone their skills, and inclusive dance projects brought together children of all abilities to express themselves through movement.
Culminating in a Show-Stopping Performance
The highlight of the two-year initiative came when the various groups were given the opportunity to perform at Harrow School’s impressive Ryan Theatre in September. For many of the young performers, this was their first time stepping onto a stage in front of a live audience. The final showcase was a memorable event, where participants demonstrated the skills and confidence they had developed over the course of the programs.
The theatre was filled with family, friends, and members of the wider community, all eager to support the young performers and celebrate their achievements.
Looking to the Future
This initiative highlights how targeted funding can have a profound impact on local communities, especially when investing in local charities. John Lyon’s Charity’s support has not only provided a boost to arts participation in the borough over two years, but has also laid the groundwork for future success. The hope is that the experience gained from these initiatives will inspire a new generation of artists, musicians, dancers, and actors, and encourage more young people to explore their creative potential.
Organisations that took part include:
