The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation is proud to announce its support for a vibrant new initiative at Mary St Live, an emerging community arts space in Sheffield city centre. The Foundation is helping to fuel a day-long celebration of youth music, set to take place as part of the Tramlines Fringe on Saturday, 26th July.
Mary St Live, located at 95 Mary St, S1 4RT, has been operating since December 2024. Despite being a young organisation, it has already established itself as a vital hub for Sheffield’s arts and youth music communities. The project is spearheaded by Daniel Johnston, a dedicated music educator who also works full time for Sheffield Music Hub and leads the Sheffield Youth Samba band. Mary St Live operates as a non-profit, volunteer-driven space, with the goal of becoming a self-sufficient community venue focused on nurturing young talent.
This summer, Mary St Live will host a free event featuring eight school bands from across Sheffield, with performers ranging from Year 7 to Year 13. Bands from schools including Hinde House, High Storrs, Silverdale, Yewlands, and King Edwards will take the stage, many for their first ever public performance. The event is designed to be accessible to all, with free entry and complimentary food and drinks for all participants, thanks to the Tesco community fund.
Musical engagement is proven to enhance language and literacy development, improve spatial reasoning, and boost self-belief. Participation in music also fosters teamwork, communication skills, and can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. In a time when children’s services have been drastically reduced, initiatives like this are more important than ever—offering young people a positive, creative outlet and a sense of belonging.
Mary St Live’s vision extends beyond this single event. By redeveloping their space and continuing to host free, inclusive music events, they aim to create lasting opportunities for young people from every corner of Sheffield. The Foundation’s support is a crucial step in helping Mary St Live become a sustainable, community-driven venue where the next generation of musicians can shine.
To follow Mary St Live’s journey and support their mission, visit their website or connect on Instagram. Together, we can ensure that the power of music continues to inspire and uplift Sheffield’s youth for years to come.