The Together Trust Summer Festival returned to the Lowry  after many stage shows being cancelled for the past two years.

The festival began back in 2003 with just two special schools from Salford and Cheadle but within two years Bury Special Schools joined including Elms Bank and Millwood.

Hosted at the Lowry in Salford Quays this year, the festival showcased performances from 90 students from the Together Trust’s specialist education settings and other specialist schools from the region. 

In 2007, the festival became a regular at the Lowry after it grew to 14 special schools in the area and over the last 20 years, the festival has brought together more than 20 schools and colleges from the Special Needs sector.

This year’s festival saw Ansar Projects in Bury, who support adults with learning disabilities in their own homes, opening with an Elvis impersonator and group performances of popular songs like ‘Happy’ and ‘True Colours’ and a special film of Danny Bardsley singing ‘Teddy Bear’.

Danny performed at the original festival back in 2003.

Peter Adamson founder of the festival said: “ANSAR Projects warmed the audience up from the word go and set the scene for an amazing concert featuring Bridge College, Pictor School, Cromwell High and Green Fold who gave a tremendous celebration of The Queens jubilee.”

Ashcroft School in Greater Manchester sent in a film which included singing and dancing as well as another school, Inscape House School performing African Drumming carrying on the strong music tradition of the school.

The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Anne-Marie Humphries completed the proceedings by thanking all the performers along with the Peter and the Together Trust administrator and his team who worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly on the day.

Peter added: “Next year it is hoped the festival will be back to its full quota of Schools and Adult services and many thanks as always to the Together Trust for hosting the event and The Lowry Theatre staff and volunteers who did a sterling job on the day.”

Mark Lee, Chief Executive of Together Trust said: "It was a privilege to be back at the Lowry again for the Together Trust’s Music Festival. 

"We enjoyed watching specialist schools from across the North West showcase their talents in singing, dancing, drumming and comedy.   
"This event is one of the highlights of the year and I want to thank the students and staff for their hard work and brilliant performances. 
"I also want to thank the Mayor of Salford Anne Marie Humphrey, for her attendance at a wonderful event."