YOUNG musicians with disabilities are playing at one of the North’s biggest festivals.

Four bands from Bradford-based Sorm (School of Rock and Media) are appearing at the Nice n Sleazy punk and ska festival in Morecambe, which features acts from around the world. The musicians will also help to run the festival, working with staff backstage.

Sorm is a recording studio and learning centre in Little Germany, working with people with disabilities and from NEET (not in education, employment or training) and other backgrounds. They learn skills in music, performing, teamwork and community action. The rock school is run by youth and community development worker John Bolton, a drummer with local bands for more than 30 years, and Tony Saunders, bassist with Bradford punk band The Negatives.

Tony and John have teamed up with Ivan Harrison, from Bradford, providing opportunities for young bands with disabilities to perform at the Nice n Sleazy festival, and work as volunteers. Named after a song by The Stranglers, the festival was launched by Ivan 15 years ago.

“They help out with lighting, sound and staging, help bands on and off stage, work on box office, check wristbands. It’s not just about being on stage - they also help set up the festival and run it,” said Ivan. “They get staff badges, they’re very much part of the team.

“No other festival is doing what we do. We were the first to offer these opportunities for people with disabilities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of a major music event, on and off stage. This is a family-friendly festival; a lot of people have been regulars for years and now bring their own kids. We get bands from across the UK and as far as America and Germany.”

Local bands appearing at this year’s festival are Dead Rejects, Ec-tix, The Positives and Shane Pain. Tony said: “We got involved by helping out with the PA, then we took a band over and the punk family just took them in. They performed like any other act. No other festival offers that kind of inclusivity. One of our students, Aaron Shaw, who has a learning disability, filmed a promotional event for the festival and now has a film studies place at Channel 4. Now we take about 25 young people, the festival is great for their work ethic and for friendship and peer building. Their families go too, they stay on the campsite.”

The festival supports the White Ribbon Campaign, a global movement working to end male violence against women and girls.

* Nice n Sleazy is at Trimpell Sports and Social Club, Morecambe, from May 22-24. Visit sleazyfestivals.com