In January 2023, Learning at The Grange launched a 3 year project in partnership with the Hampshire Cultural Education Partnership and Hampshire Music Service to bring together children and young people from across Gosport, to celebrate their heritage and culture through innovative cross arts engagement.

From January to March 2023, our ‘Pilot’ project offered interactive workshops to five Gosport schools from primary to college. From creative writing to 3D art, jazz improvisation to rap, each school used local inspiration to create their own works.

Led by exceptional artistic facilitators, over 200 young people examined their local heritage and in response developed ideas, creating their own pieces which were exhibited at the Gosport Discovery Centre 1-11 April 2023.

Now in our second year, our inaugural Festival at Fort Brockhurst showcased Gosport culture in the dramatic setting of Fort Brockhurst. between 17-21 July 2024.

The programme, delivered between 17-21 July 2024, included over 650 primary school children taking part in a Giant Sing 'From Way Up Here', with songs they created together inspired by Gosport legends and stories; a secondary mixed genre dance project Flight and around 1,000 young instrumentalists who performed in the Gosport and Fareham Youth Orchestra Proms.

Over the weekend, local groups and bands took to the stage, finishing with a family, fun-for-all ceilidh.

Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, Councillor Steve Forster, said: “I’ve followed the development of this inspiring project since its inception and it’s a tribute to the dedication of those involved that it’s back – bigger and better for 2024. I know that the many pupils involved through local schools have been energised by the whole experience, which has enriched their sense of place and community. And of course, the historic setting of Fort Brockhurst will give the performances a dramatic edge unique to this location.”

Mrs Carolyn Wilkinson, Head of St John's CE Primary School said, "I just want to thank you again for the amazing day today. Our children were absolutely shining with happiness throughout the performance. It is so important that the children have these fantastic performing experiences and they enjoyed every moment. I loved the story of the geese and I learned a few new facts about Gosport as well.

It was so well run and the band make it extra special. I am sure that the children will treasure the memory of today for a long time to come.

My Year 3 staff are already saying that they want to do this again next year."

For more information: https://hcep.hantsmusic.org.uk/gosport-cultural-education-project/