A GROUP of young people have teamed up with a chart-topping band to release a new anthem.
Song for Leigh, co-written with Lottery Winners, celebrates creativity, community, and the power of opportunity in areas with limited access to the arts.
The track was developed through workshops in which young people from Leigh shared their experiences and hopes for their town.
Marti Boardman, one of the young creators, said: "The experience was amazing.
"To be working with some big names in the music industry is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’ve learnt so many things along the way that I can then use to help myself progress in the industry.
"I hope people feel happy and proud about the song, especially if you’re from Leigh.
"We've put a lot of time and effort into making this song and we want to spread joy about this town and say that no matter where you’re from, you can be proud about the town you live in."
The song was performed live for the first time at Lottery Winners’ homecoming concert at Leigh Sports Village Stadium on Saturday, May 30, and was officially released on June 1.
A music video accompanies the track, highlighting emerging talent across music, dance, and visual arts.
Tom Briggs of Down to Earth said: "Leigh is an amazing, resilient community that is too often used as the backdrop of bad news.
"This project has been about telling a story about the people who live here, locally and nationally.
"We're really lucky to have Lottery Winners still deeply engaged in their hometown and they have been so supportive of the project and of the young musicians at the heart of the project."
The scheme is part of a wider effort to improve access to the creative industries.
It was led by Amy Hodgson, director of Spirix and funded by Down to Earth and Arts Council England.
Proceeds will go to the Gill David Trust, which supports arts education for under-25s in Leigh, Atherton, and Tyldesley.
Supporters can also contribute via the project’s GoFundMe page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/song-for-leigh.
Share