The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation is proud to support the Abbeyfield Community Festival with a new grant to help fund the 2026 event in Pitsmoor, Sheffield. This much-loved local festival, organised entirely by volunteers from the Friends of Abbeyfield Park, brings people together through a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture.
Set in the heart of Burngreave and Pitsmoor, one of Sheffield’s most diverse and creative areas, the Abbeyfield Community Festival has become a highlight of the city’s summer calendar since it began in 2022. Each year, the festival transforms Abbeyfield Park into a joyful, inclusive space filled with live music, community stalls, art exhibitions, workshops, children’s performances, and food from around the world.
The Foundation’s grant will directly fund local performers and groups, ensuring that musicians, dancers, and artists from the area are paid for their contributions. This includes performers with heritage from Roma, Pakistani, South Indian, African, and Afro-Caribbean communities, as well as children’s choirs and music groups. The event also creates opportunities for young people to take part in workshops and build confidence through public performance.
Recent feedback from festival-goers highlights how special the day has become for local residents. Attendees described the event as “joyful,” “inclusive,” and “a real celebration of community.” Many emphasised how important the festival is in bringing people together and promoting pride in their neighbourhoods.
Looking ahead to 2026, the organising team plans to expand the programme with a spoken word stage, an exhibition of local art at Abbeyfield House, and another magnificent children’s parade featuring lanterns, costumes, and music. With support from our Foundation, these plans will help the festival continue to grow as a cornerstone of community music-making in Sheffield.
The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation was founded to honour the spirit of Tramlines Festival director Sarah Nulty and her belief in music’s unique power to connect people. The Abbeyfield Community Festival reflects that same power — using music and creativity to foster togetherness, pride, and joy across the city.
To learn more about the Abbeyfield Community Festival and get involved, visit [www.abbeyfieldpark.org.uk](http://www.abbeyfieldpark.org.uk) or their [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/p/Abbeyfield-Community-Festival-61561875598336/).
Supporting Sheffield’s Jazz Scene: Funding the 2025 Footprints Jazz Festival
We’re delighted to announce that The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation has awarded a grant to Footprints Jazz to help bring the 2026 Footprints Jazz Festival to life in Sheffield.
Footprints Jazz is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Sheffield’s grassroots music scene and providing a platform for local and Northern-based artists. Their events celebrate creativity, improvisation, and live collaboration , all values that align perfectly with our charity’s belief in the power of music to bring people together.
This year’s festival promises to be more inclusive and far reaching than ever before. Taking place at Peddler Warehouse, it will feature performances from emerging local jazz and improvising artists, workshops, and opportunities for community connection.
Our grant will help ensure the event is accessible, fair, and welcoming to everyone involved. It will support fair artist payment, help raise awareness of the festival through city-wide promotion, and make the venue more inclusive with thoughtful measures for disabled and older audience members.
Footprints Jazz continues to reinvest all profits back into their organisation to nurture new artists, develop creative opportunities, and strengthen Sheffield’s vibrant live music culture.
We’re proud to support a project that not only champions local talent but also takes purposeful steps toward inclusivity and access for all. The Footprints Artist Development Programme, launched alongside the festival, will also mentor five emerging musicians through writing, recording, and releasing their own music.
We can’t wait to see Sheffield’s jazz scene take centre stage once again and we’re grateful to be part of a movement that keeps music at the heart of our city’s community.
Supporting Sheffield’s Next Generation of Musicians: Our Grant to the Sheffield Youth Orchestra
We’re delighted to support the Sheffield Youth Orchestra (SYO) in their upcoming Community Days, a series of inclusive, city-wide events that bring together musicians of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to celebrate the joy of making music together.
The Sheffield Youth Orchestra, led by Musical Director River Edis‑Smith, has become a key part of the city’s musical landscape. Founded on four guiding principles, Outstanding Music Making, Developing Young Musicians, Community Engagement, and Accessibility for All. SYO works tirelessly to give young people the chance to experience orchestral performance in an inspiring and supportive environment.
Each Community Day welcomes over a hundred musicians from across Sheffield, from beginners experiencing their first orchestral session to advanced players honing their ensemble skills. The days include full rehearsals, a shared lunch, and a public performance, creating a real sense of unity through music. Importantly, the events are free to attend, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation.
Recent Community Days have attracted national attention, earning SYO a nomination from Making Music UK in the “Best New Project” category. The recognition praised the orchestra’s inclusive approach and its success in bridging the gap between school and adult ensembles.
Our support will help SYO continue hosting three Community Days during 2026, providing even more opportunities for local musicians to connect, collaborate, and create. The events will take place in January, April, and September at St Mark’s Church in Broomhill, each culminating in a free concert for families and the wider community.
We’re proud to support this grassroots organisation, which not only nurtures young talent but also strengthens Sheffield’s vibrant musical community. The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation shares SYO’s belief that music has the power to bring people together and inspire lasting change and this project is a perfect example of that mission in action.
To learn more about the Sheffield Youth Orchestra and their work, visit www.sheffieldyouthorchestra.com.
Empowering Young People Through Music Technology: Our Grant to Wincluded CIO
We are delighted to announce that The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation has awarded a grant to Wincluded CIO, supporting their inspiring work with children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges.
Although Wincluded’s administrative base is in Leeds, this project is firmly rooted in Sheffield, delivered in partnership with Geeks Room CIC near Meadowhall. Together, they are creating a vibrant, inclusive, and creative space for young people who often face barriers to education, confidence, and participation in community
With our funding, Wincluded is enhancing a dedicated media room at the Geeks Room Inclusion Centre. This new space will be equipped with essential professional music technology, including a mixing board, microphones, and headphones, opening up hands-on opportunities for participants to explore : Music-making and sound design, Mixing and post-production editing, Digital literacy and transferable technical skills.By making industry-standard software accessible on both iMac and PC systems, the project ensures young people can gain experience in tools that might otherwise feel out of reach.
While the technical skills developed in the sessions are important, the heart of this project is about confidence, creativity, and empowerment. For young people with SEND and SEMH needs, spaces like these provide more than just training—they offer belonging, encouragement, and the chance to discover new passions.
Working in Sheffield schools and alongside other community organisations, Wincluded is ensuring young people have the chance to build not only musical knowledge but the sense of possibility that comes with achieving something new. The project creates a pathway for participants to explore future opportunities in education, training, employment, and the creative industries.
The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation firmly believes in the transformative power of music to break down barriers, support wellbeing, and open opportunities. Wincluded’s project embodies this mission—using music and creativity to give every young person the chance to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face.
We are proud to play a small part in helping bring this initiative to life and excited to see how Sheffield’s young people will embrace the opportunities this media room provides.
Celebrating Music With Friends of Mossbrook School
Friends of Mossbrook School
At the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, we are committed to celebrating the transformative power of music, its ability to inspire, uplift, and create lasting joy. This September, we are delighted to announce our latest grant recipient: Friends of Mossbrook School, supporting the amazing children at Mossbrook Special School in Sheffield.
Mossbrook Special School provides specialist education for children with autism and complex developmental needs. Music is a vital part of their curriculum, offering sensory stimulation and valuable opportunities for creative expression. However, traditional musical instruments are often unsuitable for their developmental requirements, and items can be easily damaged in a sensory-rich environment. The school’s team highlighted in their application the profound impact music has on their pupils and the importance of providing instruments that are robust, accessible, and engaging.
With our support, the Friends of Mossbrook School will purchase new, durable musical instruments tailored for sensory seekers. These instruments will not replace the magic of traditional music but will complement it, enabling all children, including those with heightened sensory and developmental needs,to experience and engage with music safely and enjoyably.
By combining these instruments with carefully guided musical interaction, the school aims to achieve a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters happier, more regulated children who are ready to engage in learning and fully enjoy their music lessons. Every drumbeat, strum, and note will contribute to emotional well-being, social connection, and opportunities for self-expression, ensuring that no child is left out from the joy and benefits of music.
This grant exemplifies the ethos of the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation: providing opportunities where music can transform lives, enhance learning, and spread happiness. We can’t wait to see these new instruments bring enrichment to Mossbrook School’s community and to watch the children thrive as they explore the power of music in a supportive, inclusive environment.
For more information about our grants and how you can help support music initiatives for children and communities in Sheffield, please visit our website.
Celebrating Our Latest Grant Recipient: Hallam Sinfonia
We’re excited to share that the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation has awarded its latest grant to Hallam Sinfonia, Sheffield’s outstanding amateur symphony orchestra.
Established in 1973, Hallam Sinfonia has been at the heart of the city’s music scene for over 50 years. With around 60 talented members—teachers, students, professionals, and passionate musicians—they perform high-quality concerts across Sheffield at venues such as Victoria Hall, High Storrs School, and All Saints Ecclesall. Their mission is simple but powerful: to make orchestral music inspiring, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
The grant will support Hallam Sinfonia’s upcoming “Passenger Seats” concert in February 2026. Unlike traditional orchestral performances, this series places audience members among the musicians themselves, creating an unforgettable and immersive musical experience. Families and young people especially love the chance to sit close to different sections of the orchestra, discovering instruments and sounds from an entirely new perspective.
The concert will also explore a unique theme of “Engineering and Inventions,” featuring both familiar classics and rarely-heard contemporary music. With bold programming and a commitment to inclusivity, Hallam Sinfonia continues to champion creativity while opening doors to new audiences.
Beyond their main concert series, Hallam Sinfonia regularly collaborates with other organisations such as Concerteenies, Hallam Choral Society, Steel City Choristers and even artists like Jon Boden. These partnerships help enrich Sheffield’s cultural life, connect communities, and inspire the next generation through music.
We’re proud to support Hallam Sinfonia in their mission and look forward to seeing the magic of their Passenger Seats concert light up Sheffield next spring.
Find out more about Hallam Sinfonia: www.hallamsinfonia.org.uk
Celebrating Our Latest Grant: Sensoria Festival’s *Playground of Sound*
The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation is delighted to announce that we are supporting Sensoria Festival and their exciting new project —*Playground of Sound*.
Based in the heart of Sheffield, Sensoria is the UK’s festival of film, music and digital, known for its imaginative, inclusive and creative events. This year, they’re bringing something truly special to the city: a free-entry interactive sound space aimed at children, young people and families from all backgrounds.
From 2nd to 5th October, the former John Lewis building in Sheffield city centre will be transformed into a vibrant musical playground. Visitors can explore a giant drum machine, fun and unusual musical instruments, and even toddler-friendly toy DJ decks, all in a colourful, welcoming space.
The project perfectly embodies our shared mission to use music as a force for connection, creativity and joy. *Playground of Sound* will be open to everyone, with no pressure to spend and no time limit, just the freedom to play, discover and experience music in a hands-on way.
Sensoria’s 2025 festival programme also features inspiring work for and by young people, including Concerteenies’ enchanting screening-with-live-music of *The Big Dreaming* by Michael Rosen. Across the festival, their programme champions emerging musicians and composers, supports underrepresented voices, and creates equal access to cultural experiences for all communities in Sheffield.
Last year, over 6,000 people visited their John Lewis pop-up space and with *Playground of Sound*, we can’t wait to see even more smiles, laughter and music-making filling the city centre.
We are proud to support Sensoria in bringing this joyful, inclusive celebration of music to life. It’s another example of how the power of music can bring people together, ignite creativity, and make Sheffield shine.
Find out more about Sensoria Festival at www.sensoria.org.uk or check out their highlights on Instagram @sensoriafest.
Latest round of Large Grants awarded - August 2025
Celebrating the first of our latest £2000 Grant Recipient: Urban Beat Academy – *Together*
We are delighted to announce that Urban Beat Academy CIC has been awarded a £2,000 grant from the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation to support their inspiring project, *Together*.
Based in the heart of Sheffield, Urban Beat Academy is a brand-new Community Interest Company set up by Jamie Ferguson, a DJ, producer and mentor who knows first-hand the transformative power of music. Having grown up in care himself, music provided Jamie with a sense of purpose and a pathway into creative and professional opportunities. Today, through Urban Beat Academy and Arundel Lane Studios, Jamie and his team are opening those doors for the next generation.
*Together* is a four-day intensive music programme running this September for up to ten young people aged 14–18 who are facing challenges such as exclusion from mainstream education, care experience, poverty, or struggles with mental health and trauma. Delivered in a professional studio environment, the project will allow participants to learn DJing, beatmaking, lyric writing, recording and performance, while working alongside experienced tutors, youth mentors and guest artists.
It is designed to help young people express themselves safely through music, build confidence, make new connections and discover positive opportunities. The programme will conclude with a celebratory showcase where participants share their work, receive certificates, and take home resource packs including journals, headphones and USB drives to continue their creative journey.
At the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, our mission is to support projects that use music to bring people together, spark creativity and improve wellbeing, and *Together* embodies all of these values. The project goes far beyond music-making, offering young people improved self-belief, stronger peer relationships, enhanced wellbeing, and real skills that could open doors to future education and training.
Crucially, Urban Beat Academy wants *Together* to be more than a one-off – it will act as a pilot for a repeatable programme running regularly in Sheffield, with past participants invited back as peer mentors to strengthen leadership and build a self-sustaining cycle of support.
We are proud to support Urban Beat Academy as they launch *Together* this September; the project truly reflects the spirit of Sarah’s belief in the power of music to transform lives, strengthen communities and create joy where it is needed most. We look forward to celebrating the voices of the incredible young people taking part.
The Second of our Latest Large Grant recipients is - Sheffield Hospitals Charity
We are delighted to announce that Sheffield Hospitals Charity has been chosen as the second recipient of our latest grant, supporting their transformative Arts in Health music programme.
As the official charity partner of both Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Hospitals Charity works tirelessly to enhance the experiences of patients, families, and NHS staff across the city. From funding life-changing research to supporting frontline wellbeing projects, their mission is to ensure that care reaches beyond clinical needs and truly supports the whole person.
Through our grant, the charity will provide music therapy and live performances delivered by professional musicians across Sheffield’s hospitals. These specially designed sessions will bring comfort, joy and moments of connection to patients, NHS staff, and visiting families throughout October.
For many who face long or difficult stays in hospital, music offers a vital outlet, a way to lift spirits, reduce loneliness, and promote healing in mind and body. Research has consistently shown that music can improve clinical outcomes, reduce anxiety and stress, and even support recovery times. Within the hospital environment, where emotions often run high, these sessions create moments of lightness and unity.
The impact of this grant will be felt across the hospital community. Around 125 patients will benefit from music engagement, opportunities to learn instruments, and moments of distraction and joy. A further 65 NHS staff members will experience uplifting performances that support their wellbeing during demanding shifts. Families and visitors will also share in music-making, which creates positive memories with loved ones during challenging times.
The stories already shared from Sheffield’s Arts in Health team speak powerfully of music’s ability to connect and comfort. Patients have described how sessions help them smile through difficult days. Families have spoken of the warmth and normality these moments bring. Staff have witnessed first-hand how even the most agitated or withdrawn patients can become calmer, engaged, and present when given the gift of music.
This collaboration feels especially poignant given our Foundation’s roots, celebrating Sarah’s legacy and her unwavering belief in the power of music to bring people together. To support a project so deeply aligned with that vision, in the heart of Sheffield, is truly special.
We look forward to working closely with Sheffield Hospitals Charity over the coming months and to seeing the difference that this project will make. From the sound of song filling wards to the smiles it inspires, this is a shining example of music transforming care.