In the PalMusic UK 2019/2020 Winter newsletter, we announced that a Brighton youth group had invited students from ESNCM to join them at an international camp. Due to Covid restrictions, the 2020 camp was postponed and 3,000 people from all over the world will now camp together at Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire this summer, from 29 July to 8 August.
When a decision was needed as to which Palestinian organisation could be approached to send a delegation of young people to Common Ground international camp, ESNCM was chosen because they have branches in different areas. The 12 young delegates will come from Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah and Gaza. ESNCM has experience in organising international travel through their teenage students touring with the Palestine Youth Orchestra and there are established links between Brighton and ESNCM musicians. The young ESNCM delegates, aged 14 to 18, will be accompanied by three ESNCM teachers and a ‘mum’. The Palestinian delegation will perform at Common Ground’s Opening Ceremony, at the Open Day on Saturday 6 August and in the Closing Ceremony.
Before and after international camp, the 12 students and their accompanying adults will spend a few days with families in Brighton. They will visit London and enjoy days out by the sea and on the Downs.
Many of you have supported this celebration of cooperation and cultural exchange. Thank you. If you would like to meet the delegates, join us at the Open Day on Saturday 6 August at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire.
You can read our full Spring 2022 newsletter here