We’re delighted to announce that the Future Collaborations Festival is back on Saturday 26th April, hosted at Pop Recs!

Launched through a Youth Music grant in 2022, Future Collaborations is an inclusive music project that unites neurodivergent and neurotypical participants for grassroots music tuition, collaboration, and unforgettable gigs.

This Year’s Line-up

For 2025, co-funded by the Arts Council, we’re bringing the festival to Pop Recs with an exciting line-up featuring Warm Digits, Me Lost Me, Camel Island, Oldman, and Samuel Frame.

Plus, you can catch fresh talent from Future Collaborations-formed bands such as Token, Erratics, and Ophir.

Expect a day of diverse musical styles and inspiring performances.

A Festival with Community Roots

The idea for Future Collaborations Festival stemmed from AutismAble’s Project Coordinator, Ian Black, (also known as SLUG), who envisioned a large-scale event merging established acts with the neurodiverse musicians emerging from the project.

With promoter David Littlefair’s support and an Arts Council grant, our first festival was held at Gosforth Civic Theatre in 2024, featuring artists like Nano Kino, Liz Corney, Jeremy Warmsley, Mt. Misery, Jodie Nicholson, and Idle Hands.

A standout moment was an improvised collaboration between composer Ben Lunn, AutismAble members, and session musicians.

Building Real-World Skills

Future Collaborations Festival 2025 goes beyond on-stage experience. AutismAble members gain hands-on training in:

• Stage management
• Sound and lighting assistance
• Ticket sales and audience ushering
• Health and safety
• Marketing and promotions
• Artist liaison
• Event clean-up and logistics

This holistic approach ensures everyone, from performers to behind-the-scenes crew, develops valuable skills for the music and events industry.

Looking Ahead

Our long-term vision is to host Future Collaborations annually, continually raising awareness of autism and neurodiversity. Ultimately, we hope to hand over the festival’s leadership to the very students who’ve helped make it a success.

Get Your Tickets

Join us on Saturday 26th April at Pop Recs for a day of incredible music, community spirit, and creativity. We can’t wait to celebrate Future Collaborations with you! Keep an eye on our social media for ticket details and more line-up announcements.

Click here to get your Future Collaborations Festival 2025 tickets.