A group of Stevenage schoolchildren who have special educational needs have had the chance to be rock stars for the day, thanks to an innovative music project.

The event – which was held at Lonsdale School – was run by the Rocksteady Music School which teaches rock bang lessons to thousands of children each week across the UK.

Children at the school were able to try out instruments including guitars, keyboards, drums and singing and were taught to play together as a band.

Michelle Baker, a teacher at Lonsdale School, said: “The pupils really had an amazing time when the Rocksteady team came to help them learn to playing instruments or vocal as part of a band.

“The team were very patient and helped every individual to learn the chords or words as well as getting them to play as a band in a short space of time.”

The day was part of a company-wide event which saw 16 similar events take place across the country, including one at The Valley School, also in Stevenage.

Other events were in children’s cancer wards, other schools for children with special education needs, and hospices for children with life limiting conditions.

Head of academy at Rocksteady, Rachel Hawker – who runs the foundation days – said: “It’s wonderful to be able to give these deserving children a chance to rock out and try something different.

“Thanks to the foundation we’re able to give free rock band lessons to children who wouldn’t traditionally get the chance.

“We passionately believe that all children benefit from music experiences like these, so it’s important to us to reach as many children as possible and teach them all the life skills that come with playing in a band, including confidence, team work and wellbeing.”

Rocksteady has been running for 10 years, providing music making experiences at an early age.

Children are taught by professional gigging musicians with a focus on empowering them to play music they love in real bands, even if they’ve never touched an instrument before.

The company is going to hold another foundation day on May 30. If you work for a charity, hospital, school or other organisation with children that would benefit from a free rock band experience, get in touch via foundation@rocksteadymusicschool.com.