Electric Umbrella launches 'No Such Thing as Normal Day'

Electric Umbrella is inviting people to shine a light on inclusion and celebrate difference, by dressing up in their wackiest clothes and making a donation.

The Electric Umbrella charity became registered in 2016, being founded by Tom Billington and Mel Boda. The organisation was recognised for its encouragement of learning disabled people in music as ‘there were few opportunities for learning disabled people to take to the stage’. Electric Umbrella states that ‘through music, we build connections, foster creativity, and promote inclusion’, labelling their activities and school programs as being ‘designed to empower members and bring joy to their lives’ whilst also educating the community.

Delivering hundreds of hours of music workshops, gig performances and their own Summer festival, ‘Umbrellafest’, it is no doubt that the charity has provided wonderful experiences for their members and empowered them with more confidence to be who they are.

The International Day of Acceptance on 20th January asserts the importance of social acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities and is a tribute to the creator of the Symbol of Acceptance, Annie Hopkins. To commemorate, Electric Umbrella encouraged the general public to shine a light on inclusion and celebrate difference. The charity urged people to leave their school uniform or work clothing at home, and instead, ‘celebrate with the wackiest wardrobes, heroic hairstyles, and show-stopping shoes!’

Having led an exciting live session of music and song for schools on Zoom, Electric Umbrella embraced connection and inclusivity with open arms at such an inspiring event.

Mel Boda, CEO of the charity, comments how proud the team are to be affirming the ideology that there really is ‘No Such Thing as Normal’. Mel further adds that they are looking forward to “making this a milestone in their calendar every year” and that “all donations will make such a difference to Electric Umbrella.”

By donating to Electric Umbrella, you will support the team to create extraordinary music experiences for learning disabled people, challenge perceptions and foster acceptance. The charity welcomes donations to help deliver free and premium music sessions, live events, and school programmes to essentially change lives and promote inclusion. Donate Now

Additionally, the charity is running for the 2025 Smiley Charity Film Awards with its new ‘Acceptance’ music video, written and performed by the team and its members. The video made by Sam Clifford features the talented members alongside children from Sarratt C of E Primary School from the song written by Tom Billington & Electric Umbrella, produced by Jo Webb and Tom Billiington, and mixed by Jo Webb. Watch here.

As voting closes on January 29th, there is still time to vote for the music video by visiting https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/acceptance! If you know someone with learning disabilities, perhaps a family member or friend, who may be interested in being part of Electric Umbrella, or you are interested in learning more about the charity’s performances, activities, workshops, or corporate performances and training
programmes, please visit Electric Umbrella for more information.