LATEST NEWS : 2026

Download the MADULA 2026 / 2027 document in PDF format!
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APPLY NOW FOR THE STEVE DAWSON MEMORIAL FUND 2026
The Steve Dawson memorial fund has been set up in memory of Steve Dawson, one of Madula's founding members, who worked passionately to inspire young people through music, right up to the time of his passing.

The fund aims to honour Steve's legacy by granting six bursaries of £400 to young aspiring musicians from Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffs (up to the age of 25) for whom the grant would really make a difference in their musical development.

Applicants must be nominated by a teacher, mentor or parent/guardian in order to qualify.
The fund is open to musicians of all levels and disciplines; bursaries will be awarded to the 6 young people to whom the judging panel consider the funding will make the most significant difference to their musical development.

'It is important that we see the difference this grant will make to you as a young musician, so please make sure that your application explains this clearly!'

Applications close at midday on Tues 27th Oct 2026.

Awards will be announced on Wed 4th Nov 2026, with the performances from successful applicants taking place on 24th May 2026 at the New Vic Theatre!

To apply for the fund, please request an application form by emailing us on - info@madula.org.uk

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Highlights

Quotes and Testimonials

  • Clough Hall
    This hands-on workshop was a fantastic introduction to African drumming that hugely inspired and highly motivated all who took part
    Clough Hall
  • Participant
    Performing alongisde top Moussa Syllawas a revelation. I now have a much greater interest and curiosity about African music and culture
    Participant
  • Sue Moffatt
    Part of the Madula magic is the mixing of generations in the community. The showcase at the New Vic incorporated all ages and abilities - schoolchildren performing alongside U3A members, with all of us getting to play with top international artists! Drumming was the link. Everyone appreciated each other's skills and efforts
    Sue Moffatt
    New Vic Theatre
  • U3A participant
    The sense of coming together through music is something we all share, both us as drummers and audiences. A great example was playing for the lovely people at the Methodist church - who all live alone and had chance to come and be part of something’
    U3A participant
  • Rod Grainger, Head of Participation, Children & Leaving Care,
    Madula and its professional artists really have brought the best out of our young people. To see the difference in them from when they started the summer programme with low confidence to where they finished, actually performing live with energy is really just astounding!
    Rod Grainger, Head of Participation, Children & Leaving Care,
    Telford & Wrekin council
  • County Music Inspector
    I cannot thank you enough for the workshops today. The attention to detail was fantastic and your quality of delivery was so impressive for all. Feedback has been just terrific!
    County Music Inspector
  • QLS Inspector
    The quality of the children's playing was quite staggering, the music stunning. Brilliant, excellent, fantastic ..........WOW!
    QLS Inspector
  • Phil Edmeades, president Leek Arts Festival
    A trio of world class musicians from different continents here in our festival really was something special. To see them perform a set with local community residents before going onto play their world class music just made it a fantastic night! Please come again
    Phil Edmeades, president Leek Arts Festival
    Leek Arts Festival