Our Founder celebrates community music and our grantees work

It was a privilege to highlight the impact of our grantees work to our Founder The King, at the community music concert and reception at Windsor Castle on 3rd April.

His Majesty, alongside The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester celebrated the vital role music plays in strengthening communities, bringing people together, fostering community spirit and the important work of all those involved in community music in the UK including our grantees – Liberty Choir, All Arts and Media (All FM), Halfmoon Young People’s Theatre and Together Productions Sing For Freedom Choir.

The reception showcased the diversity of community music, with performances from groups with unique backgrounds and missions including the Royal College of Music, London Gay Men’s Chorus, Songs for Ukraine Chorus, YolanDa Brown OBE, the London Vegetable Orchestra and the Sing for Freedom Choir.

His Majesty had an insightful conversation with Ginny, Co-Founder of Liberty Choir about the charity’s impactful network of choirs in prisons and communities. Founded a decade ago, Liberty Choir uses music to transform lives, promote rehabilitation and reduce reoffending rates.

The King also had the opportunity to speak to community radio DJ Alan Livingstone, from Manchester’s All FM, who was nominated by KCCF to attend the event. Alan said: “The King was in great spirits, jolly and laughing and joking. That cheeky smile when you hold his hand. He is so genuine.”

During their exchange, Alan mentioned to the King his late venture into DJing, to which His Majesty responded positively, appreciating Alan’s passion and enthusiasm for his newfound calling. At the age of 66, Alan has made quite a shift from a Royal Mail manager to pursuing his passion as a DJ starting at 64.

Reflecting on the King’s resumption of Royal duties, Alan remarked with admiration: “Amazing that he makes the effort. What an incredible man, to do all this and encourage people to do good work in the community.”

We are proud to support community music makers helping to transform lives and bring about positive change through the power of music.