Throughout secondary school, getting out of Doncaster was the main, sometimes only, thing on my mind. I knew the kind of work I wanted scarcely existed here and I felt like I couldn’t be my “true authentic self” due to the shame I felt. I dreamed of escaping; that way I’d never have to tell …
Ian Byatt is the founder of Breaking Beats, which provides diversionary activities to help young people overcome their personal barriers, using Hip Hop music and arts activities as a vehicle for change. Breaking Beats began life in 2014, but my experience of working within the community begins at Rhythm Nation Records from around 1995. Things …
Rob Johnson reviews the latest track Hot Money from local musicians Children of the State. As endorsements go, the backing of Coral frontman and all-round musical legend Ian Skelly is a pretty strong seal of approval. Coming straight out of Manchester (via Doncaster – the band used to rehearse at Donco HQ, no less), indie …
A Basement, A Red Light, And A Feelin’. Andy Maddison was born just outside of Newcastle in 1973, but raised from the age of 4 in North Doncaster. He was 16 years old during the ‘second summer of love’ in 1989, but, like many young people of the day, had been a regular on the …
As part of The Doncaster Effect project, we speak to Rita Shore. Rita has been actively involved with Doncaster’s community for many years as a devoted teacher. She is an emerging artist at the age of 73 and is proud to be dedicating her time to making art and supporting others. I’m a Doncaster lass, …