Festival for additional special needs children
A group of kids are being given the opportunity to spread their wings at the Eagle Inn this month.
A special music festival has been organised to allow additional special needs children to have a life experience that they will never forget. Set-up by Katie Slavin, the founder of local ASN theatre group Shining Stars, the festival will feature performances from local musicians as well as dance lessons, DJs and an official photographer. More than 100 tickets have already been sold for the event on September 17 and organiser Katie said: “This is an opportunity for people with additional special needs to experience what a music festival is like.
“The kids are so exctied about it and it’s looking really promising.
“Shining Stars fest is a really good community project and so many people want to get involved to give the kids an experience they won’t forget.”
One local act who is playing is 16-year-old Carla Basu.
The Coatbridge teen played to her first three-figure crowd at the Death Disco II in memory of Mark Allison earlier in the summer.
The St Ambrose pupil’s catchy writing style, similar to Sara Bereilles and Scouting for Girls, is sure to catch the ears of the children.
Keyboard queen Carla told the Advertiser: “I’m really looking forward to playing.
“I’ve been really motivated to write music after playing at Death Disco II and can’t wait to let people hear my stuff.
“I think my music will work for the festival as it’s one for children and my music is quite catchy.
“Hopefully my songs can bring big smiles to their faces and encourage them to sing-a-long.”
She continued: “I am aiming to get an EP recorded by the end of the year.
“I’m finishing off the songs just now to get them ready for recording.
“After that I’ll look to get a few more gigs in the area and also in Glasgow to get my name known.
“I’m also thinking about getting a band together but that is hard. It would help me progress, though.”
Clash tribute band Combat Rock and local act Feet of Clay are also taking to the stage at Shining Stars fest.
Katie added: “We want this to be their T in the Park.”
If you know somebody with additional special needs who may be interested in the festival, contact Katie on 07845 072758.