Mencap's interview with Electric Umbrella
"Hi, I’m William Kettle. I work at Mencap as a Lived
Experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
Advisor. I got to
interview
An interview is a meeting where you talk to someone or a group of people about something. When you have an interview for a job, you have to answer questions and say why you would be good at the job. The person who gives the best answers is offered the job.
the amazing group called Electric Umbrella, before their Britain’s Got Talent semi-final live performance this Saturday."
Watch William's Electric Umbrella interview
We first saw Electric Umbrella in March when they were on Britain’s Got Talent. They got the golden buzzer from Simon Cowell! Now they are back and ready to shine in the semi-finals.
Electric Umbrella want to make the world more fun, more colourful, and more kind - with music!
"They [Electric Umbrella] started 11 years ago in Watford. It was a small music group. Now it’s a big group with lots of people all around the country. People with a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
and neurodivergent people come together to make music and have fun.
The group was started by Tom (a musician) and Mel (an art therapist). They help people of all ages write songs, sing, and feel good. Everyone is important at Electric Umbrella.
I love that they believe music is for everyone. Their sessions are fun, friendly, and full of laughter.
Each week, people join in either in person or online. Some come to meetups, and others sing on Zoom. There are different groups like Music Machine, Push the Boundaries, and Little Brollies. It’s all about being happy, making music, and feeling part of something.
Electric Umbrella also started a new idea called Be More Electric Umbrella. It asks people in schools, at work, and in the
community
A community is the people and places in an area.
to be kind and include everyone!
When they performed on Britain’s Got Talent, they only had two minutes - but they made it amazing! They showed the UK how powerful and happy inclusion can be.
Electric Umbrella keeps growing. If you feel like you belong, then you do. Whether you wear a yellow T-shirt, sing online, or dance in the audience - you are part of the magic.
Electric Umbrella is all about believing the world can be better and brighter when we make music together.
Everyone at Mencap, including me, is cheering them on this Saturday. Good luck Electric Umbrella!"
- William Kettle Lived Experience Advisor Mencap.
