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EMGMF 2026 — Thank You, Derby! Relive the Highlights →
CONNECT. EMPOWER. TRANSFORM.
CONNECT. EMPOWER. TRANSFORM.
Empowering Communities Through Music, Mentoring and Creative engagement across the East Midlands.
Empowering Communities Through Music, Mentoring and Creative engagement across the East Midlands.
East Midlands Gospel Music Festival 2026
East Midlands Gospel Music Festival 2026
Celebrating music, community and connection in the heart of Derby
Performance | Audience | Community
EMGMF 2026 — THANK YOU, DERBY
On 29 August 2026, the East Midlands Gospel Music Festival returned to Vaillant Live, Derby for its third edition.
The festival brought together artists, families, young people, community organisations, civic representatives and guests for an evening celebrating gospel music, culture and community.
From live performances and community engagement to the contribution of our volunteers, partners and supporters, EMGMF 2026 represented another important milestone in the journey of Connect Outreach CIC.
The East Midlands Gospel Music Festival is Connect Outreach CIC's flagship cultural event, designed to increase access to live music, provide opportunities for emerging talent and bring diverse communities together through shared creative experiences.
WHAT WE DO
WHAT WE DO
Connect Outreach CIC delivers community and creative programmes that empower young people, strengthen families and bring communities together across Derby and the East Midlands.
Through music, mentoring, workshops, community events and partnership working, we create positive opportunities for young people while raising awareness of issues affecting our communities.
Youth EMPOWERMENT & MENTORING
Youth EMPOWERMENT & MENTORING
We create safe and positive opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop new skills and explore their potential.
Through mentoring, workshops, creative activities and community engagement, we encourage young people to make positive choices, develop resilience and feel more connected to their communities. Our activities are designed to give young people a voice, positive role models and opportunities to grow.
MUSIC & CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
MUSIC & CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
Music is at the heart of much of our community engagement. We use music, performance and creative expression as tools to inspire, connect and create opportunities.
From workshops and community events to the East Midlands Gospel Music Festival, we provide platforms for emerging talent to develop and perform alongside established artists, while making high-quality live music more accessible to local communities.
COMMUNITY SAFETY & CONNECTION
COMMUNITY SAFETY & CONNECTION
We believe stronger communities are built when people have opportunities to connect, participate and be heard.
Working alongside community organisations, local services and other partners, we use events, workshops and outreach activities to raise awareness of issues including knife crime and anti-social behaviour, encourage positive choices and strengthen relationships between young people, families and the wider community.
why this matters
why this matters
Many young people and communities face barriers to opportunity, support and positive engagement.
Connect Outreach CIC exists to bridge that gap through creative programmes, mentorship and community-led initiatives that inspire confidence, build skills and create pathways for growth.
Our Impact
Our Impact
Connect Outreach CIC creates opportunities for young people and communities to connect, participate and grow through accessible creative and community-led activities.
Our programmes are designed to support confidence, wellbeing, positive choices and social connection, while providing opportunities for young people to develop creative, social and life skills.
Through our festivals, workshops, mentoring and community activities, we continue to build partnerships and create positive opportunities across Derby and the East Midlands.
Support Our Work
Support Our Work
Connect Outreach CIC delivers programmes that empower young people, promote mental wellbeing, and tackle issues such as youth violence and social exclusion across the East Midlands.
Your support helps us continue running workshops, mentoring programmes, and community events that create real change.
Every contribution helps us reach more young people and build safer communities.
Our Funding & Support
Our Funding & Support
We are proud to have secured funding to support our community programmes, including youth workshops, creative initiatives, and community engagement activities.
This support enables us to expand our reach, deliver impactful programmes, and create positive outcomes for young people and communities.
Funded by
Sponsored by
GET INVOLVED TODAY
GET INVOLVED TODAY
Whether you are a young person, parent, volunteer, or organisation, we would love to work with you.
Contact us to learn more about our programmes, events, and partnership opportunities.
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