Better Together Festival 2026
Music. Creativity. Connection.
Friday 14 August 2026 · 10am–3pm
Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
The Better Together Festival 2026 was a whole day of music, creativity and celebration across Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Led by Songbirds Music UK as part of our Youth Music-funded Hospital of Music 2025–28 programme, the festival was delivered in partnership with RMCH Therapeutic and Specialised Play Services and MFT Youth Service.
The festival celebrated the power of music to support health, creativity and wellbeing, bringing young people, families, staff, musicians and artists together to make, share and enjoy music.
Young People Made It Happen
Better Together was shaped by young people from MFT Youth Service and across the hospital.
They helped to:
🎨 Create the festival logo and poster
🎵 Design festival activities
🎤 Take part in performances
🎸 Share their own musical ideas
From the planning to the performances, young people were at the heart of the day.
Music Everywhere!
The festival brought music to all kinds of unexpected places — from the Atrium and Youth Hub to the Garden, Outpatients and hospital wards.
Belle · Guzheng
Belle brought the beautiful sound of the Chinese guzheng to the festival, performing Chinese works in the Garden, Outpatients and Atrium.
🧸 Dani & Milly · Makaton Sign and Sing
Milly performed original songs and pop songs, while Dani joined her with Makaton signing — including a very memorable appearance in a big green bear costume! 🐻
🎸 Owen & Oliver
Owen, a member of the Youth Service, performed with his friend Oliver in the Atrium, bringing electric guitar, singing and pop songs to the festival.
🥁 Manchester Dhol Players
Jason & Bal brought their energetic drumming to the hospital and joined the celebrations alongside the Global Grooves Parade.
🎺 Global Grooves Parade
The parade travelled through the hospital and along the corridors, bringing music directly to children and young people on the wards.
🎻 Songbirds Musicians
Our Songbirds musicians performed throughout the hospital, including Elfair playing harp on the wards, helping to make sure everyone could be part of the festival.
✂️ Make, Play & Create!
There was plenty to do between performances!
In the Atrium, children and young people could:
🐦 Make origami birds
♻️ Create recycled instruments
🎸 Have a go at the ukulele
🎨 Explore creative activities designed with the Youth Service
The festival wasn't just about listening to music — it was about getting involved and making something together.
And the festival didn't stop at the main event!
Music sessions and activities also took place on wards across Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Trafford General Hospital, North Manchester General Hospital and Wythenshawe Hospital.
With music-themed activities and activity packs, children and young people who couldn't make it to the main festival could still join in, make music and be part of the celebrations.
💬What Did People Think?
“A big thank you to all of you for giving our children a bit of hope and a bit of joy, and for connecting us all through music, which breaks down so many barriers. It’s amazing to see you all — you look incredible!”
Ursula Martin, CEO of the Specialist Hospitals Clinical Group at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.“One of my favourites of the year for sure... it was so lovely to collaborate with the musicians too. Well done for another fabulous festival!”
External Artist
“I had a wonderful time. It was a really special day!”
Songbirds Young Creator Musician
“My son and his friend performed and really enjoyed themselves. It was a wonderful day full of music. Loved seeing everyone’s happy faces.”
Parent of Young Person, Festival Performer & RMCH Patient
“It was really great to be part of such a fun day!”
Songbirds Young Creator Musician
