Children and families in Clerkenwell are benefiting from new musical instruments, props and creative resources thanks to council funding awarded to local community organisation Singalong Songs. The funding has enabled the group to purchase percussion instruments, chef hats, song banners and other interactive resources that are helping children engage in music-making. 

For over twenty years, Singalong Songs has run inclusive music sessions for families in Islington, featuring live music, singing, movement and play. Sessions regularly take place at the Exmouth Market Centre and are attended by local families, as well as nearby nurseries and schools. 

Mrs H: “Music belongs to everyone”

For Harriette Ashcroft, better known to generations of Islington families as “Mrs H”, the sessions are about much more than singing. 

Having lived in Islington for decades, Mrs H says the local community has always been a north star for her work.  

“I do feel very much part of Islington.” 

She started delivering sessions when the government program Sure Start began around 25 years ago. This local initiative has grown into an organisation working with nurseries, schools and families across the borough.  

The new funding has enabled Singalong Songs to buy chef hats, percussion instruments including tambourines, claves, wrist bells and hand drums, as well as large printed song banners that children can follow during sessions. These resources are also being shared with local schools and nurseries so children can continue singing and playing after the sessions end.  

Mrs H explained that the tactile nature of the props is a key part of the experience. 

“People love to hold things.” 

Singalong Songs works closely with local schools and nurseries, including Hugh Myddelton School and Moreland Primary School. Mrs H says the resources help children engage through touch, movement and participation, while making music accessible for children with additional needs and those developing speech and language skills.  

Alongside the sessions for young children, Singalong Songs also supports wider community projects, including inclusive singing groups for vulnerable adults.  

Jess and Dory

Jess attended the session with her 18-month-old daughter Dory. 

Jess first discovered Singalong Songs six years ago while working as a childminder. After becoming a parent herself, she returned to the sessions with her own child. 

Living locally near Exmouth Market, she says the sessions continue to attract families from across Islington and beyond, with some parents travelling from other parts of the borough to attend together after meeting during maternity leave.  

Joey and Noah

For Joey, the sessions have helped create lasting friendships for both parents and children. 

“It gives parents an opportunity to socialise in an unstructured setting.” 

Joey explained that she has made close friends through attending the group and values the welcoming atmosphere, the freedom for children to explore music, and the fact that families can drop in without needing to book in advance. And the music doesn’t stop when the sessions end! 

“We have all of Harriet’s songs and MP3s. We play them when we’re on holiday.” 

Joey said her son Noah now has his own guitar, ukulele and drums at home, reflecting the enthusiasm for music that has grown through attending Singalong Songs. 

Alburtina and Ella

Alburtina attends the sessions with her daughter Ella and says the new resources have been a big hit with children. 

“The kids loved the new instruments.” 

She joked that in her household there is only one person allowed to lead the singing. 

“Only Mrs H can sing.”  

Building confidence through music

The project is expected to benefit around 200 children and families over the course of a year, with the instruments, banners and creative resources continuing to be used long after the funding has been spent. The aim is to help children build confidence, communication skills and a lifelong enjoyment of music, while creating opportunities for families to connect with one another and their community.  

You can visit www.singalongsongs.co.uk to find Mrs H’s upcoming shows.