The inspiration behind a popular community music festival is again reaching out to young people with a unique project designed to provide support for parents of local school children.

In his role as Employment Coach at Witton Lodge Community Association, Dellano Lewis, creator of live music and arts show Track Friday, has launched a backpack initiative.

Targeting pupils at local schools including Story Wood Primary and North Birmingham Academy, Dellano is giving more than 20 backpacks away for free to ease the financial burden on parents who may be struggling to meet the cost of schooling equipment. Each backpack contains a stationary set and a notebook.

“During these difficult and unprecedented times, many parents of school children in the community are struggling to meet the cost of everyday items,” he said.

“So these backpacks will help to ease their money worries while providing pupils with a brand new backpack and accessories they can use in school.”

Branded the Track Friday Backpack Initiative, the project has also been established to raise awareness of the twice-yearly music show, which encourages young people and performers to take to the stage and share their creative talents in front of a live audience.

There have been four Track Friday festivals to date, each showcasing the best young talent in the community, featuring singers, dancers, rappers and poets.

“The event also gives people an insight into the support services that are available through Witton Lodge Community Association around issues like housing, health and wellbeing and employment and skills.”

If you would like a backpack for your child please email: D ellano.lewis@wittonlodge.org.uk or call him on 0121 382 1930.

Discussions are underway for the next Track Friday music show to take place later this summer. In the meantime a Track Friday Songwriting Session will take place on Friday 28th May 2021 from 3-5pm on digital platform Zoom.

The online event will feature leading local artists sharing their songwriting secrets.

There will also be a chance for people to win a range of prizes too.

Hosted by BeeNiice with music by DJ Gaz H, to take part in the session just click on the link below and enter the password ‘event.’

https://zoom.us/j/3978209161?pwd=cENjdS8xamlCcDFiUTNEaVpYQzA5dz09