A Right Royal Day Out!

On April 3, 2025, Rebecca and David had the honour of representing Flash Company Arts at a Community Music reception hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. Rebecca was not only there to represent Flash Company Arts but also as the chair of Sound Sense, celebrating the incredible work of community musicians across the UK and beyond.

The event, held in St George’s Hall and the Waterloo Chamber, was a warm and welcoming gathering that brought together community musicians and organisations from all over the country. Performances were a real highlight — from the Sing for Freedom Choir and Songs for Ukraine Chorus to the London Gay Men’s Chorus (who greeted guests with songs from the balcony), the Royal College of Music Quartet, and the talented YolanDa Brown. Even the London Vegetable Orchestra joined in, leading a playful micro-workshop where the King himself had a go at playing a carrot recorder.

“It was an honour to meet the King and to personally thank him for shining a light on the incredible work of community musicians, especially in Whitby,” said Rebecca. “His recognition of the sector is invaluable, and it reinforces the importance of continuing to support and celebrate grassroots music-making across the UK.”

That moment with the King perfectly summed up the spirit of community music — it’s playful, inclusive, and open to everyone, whether they’re a seasoned musician or picking up a vegetable instrument for the first time. For Rebecca, attending alongside fellow Sound Sense board members and members of the wider network was both inspiring and a powerful reminder of the collective impact of community music on wellbeing and community resilience.

“This kind of recognition matters,” Rebecca noted, “but so does the ongoing work of advocacy. We need to keep making the case for our sector to ensure that community music continues to be supported, valued, and sustained for the long term.”