Breaking Bias at Be Free Festival

Over 200 people visited Creative Together’s annual two-day ‘Be Free’ arts festival last weekend in Manchester, a celebration where everyone is encouraged to be their true selves, no matter their identity, background or experience. This year’s event featured a stellar line-up of musicians, artists, poets, and performers, including local talent, people supported by Creative Together, and even a couple of international artists. Some of these performers graced the stage for the very first time.

What makes the ‘Be Free’ festival different to other festivals is its commitment to inclusion and accessibility. Organised by people with lived experience of marginalisation or disability, the theme of the festival was ‘breaking bias,’ inviting everyone to feel free from stereotypes and assumptions they may experience in their everyday lives. With accessible toilets and seating, clear signage, a programme centring marginalised voices, and quiet spaces for those who might feel overwhelmed, the event created an environment where everyone felt welcome.

The event couldn’t have been as successful without support from the incredible 53two theatre in Manchester who hosted Creative Together for both days. The venue’s 150 seats allowed for a lively atmosphere, where cheers, laughter, and music echoed through the open doors. Outside, the coffee shop’s vintage décor and comfy seating provided a cozy spot to relax between performances or engage in creative workshops, like jewellery-making sessions led by Creative Together.

The day began at 12, and over the next six hours, everyone enjoyed comedy, music, karaoke, spoken word, poetry, dance, short films, and even a puppet show. One highlight was the popular Cranleigh Band from Wigan, a staple at Creative Together’s monthly ‘Owt on Stage’ spoken word event. They performed their signature piece, ‘Three Little Birds.’ Nicola from the band also stunned the audience with a solo cover of ‘Perfect’ by Fairground Attraction.

Enock from the Cranleigh Band, which includes staff and people supported by the Wigan Supported Living Service, reflected on their journey: “We’ve done two ‘Owt on Stage’ events, and now we’re here at ‘Be Free’ for the third performance! The band has brought a lot of people out of their shells. It’s amazing to see them stand in front of such a big crowd and realise their potential.”

A new addition to the festival was Ethan from Chelmsford, performing under the stage name Emberhearted. They shared powerful poems about being neurodivergent and being Ethan! Ethan’s work left the crowd captivated, and an exclusive interview with them will be featured soon on our social media. “My poetry night in Chelmsford is called Waxes Lyrical,” they said, “I’m very proud of it. I’m proud of the accepting community that has sprung up around it. It does have that space for people to express any struggle or joy. It’s such a lovely audience, like the audience I have at Creative Together. It achieves what I want to see more from poetry in general, giving people that feeling of ‘it’s going to be okay.’ I’ve loved being a part of Be Free festival, I’ve been very proud.”

Aaron, a staff member from Creative Together’s Training Team, is a talented songwriter. His emotional performance of his songs ‘Shine So Bright’ and ’27’ moved the crowd, especially when he invited his uncle who travelled from India to join him for a Robbie Williams cover. Aaron, who has an album out on major streaming platforms, opened up about how Creative Together had given him the confidence to address his struggles with mental health on stage: “For this next song to make sense, I need to tell you a story. For me to tell you a story, I’ve got to be a little brave. This is a safe space to do that.”

The festival also encouraged local community participation. John, no older than 12, confidently took the stage to sing ‘Sweet Child of Mine,’ saying, “I love singing, and I’m a lead singer in a rock band called Junior Rock Band.” Despite being smaller than everyone else, he belted the chorus and filled the room with his presence, showing that no matter your age, if you have a passion, ‘Be Free’ is the stage for you.

Creative Together also showcased their own projects. Kim, a participant, performed her self-written song ‘Holiday in Salut,’ inspired by her wedding and honeymoon. “I was very nervous singing, but I’ve really surprised myself. It’s amazing what you can achieve at Creative Support and I’ve really learned a lot since I’ve been coming. I’m very proud of all the staff who teach us.”

The festival featured Creative Together’s own film, a puppet show called ‘Be Free, Be Yourself’, which tells the story of a non-binary character who learns to love themselves after receiving love and support from their friends. The event also premiered the music track ‘Be Free, Not Afraid’, written, produced, and performed by members of Creative Together.

To wrap up the festival, the John Wayne Band had everyone dancing on Friday with their lively set, while Jamz Collective added a jazz twist to Saturday’s finale.

There were so many incredible performances that we couldn’t speak to everyone, but you can find further coverage on Creative Together’s Instagram page: @creativetogether_mcr and our social media too. Congratulations everyone – we’ll see you next year!