Songs performed at Abbey inspired by stories of city’s migrants

SONGS DRAWN from stories shared by migrants who have now settled in West Yorkshire were performed on their first visit to the Yorkshire Dales.

Students from Leeds City College sang a capella for a group of Leeds migrants at the historic Bolton Abbey grounds.

It was organised by the Migrant Access Project Plus (MAP+), run by Leeds-based organisation Touchstone.

The songs explored themes of friendship, family and community, and were inspired from stories shared by migrants who are involved with the MAP+ Project.

Elina Rinkevice, who moved to the UK from Lithuania 10 years ago, was among the group who watched the performance at Bolton Abbey. She said: “The singing was amazing, the performance was lovely and I enjoyed meeting new people.”

The event was funded for the Level 3 music students by Sport England.

Elsie Shepherd, a student who was among those involved, said: “We chose uplifting songs inspired by the stories; about people leaving behind loved ones, but also about doing something new and exciting. I’ve spoken to lots of people from different backgrounds and found we have common ground, similar passions and interests.”

For some of the migrants, it was the first time they had visited the Yorkshire Dales. The collaboration was organised as part of a project at Leeds City College, supported by Sport England’s Potentials Fund and the #iwill Fund, which aims to increase student involvement in social action.

MAP+, run by Touchstone, is commissioned by Leeds City Council. It works with migrant and settled populations to help bring communities together.