A message from Gail...
After nearly fifteen years as a founder and co-director of Soundcastle, I will be stepping down at the end of February 2026. As part of this transition, Soundcastle’s London programmes will come to a close in December 2025.
Neither decision has been made lightly.
Although it is sad to be closing this chapter, I also want to celebrate the joyful music-making we’ve shared in Waltham Forest and Newham.
This is not an easy climate for fundraising or organising in community arts, and I want to ensure these challenges don’t overshadow the immense beauty and connection we’ve built together.
Soundcastle will continue to thrive and evolve, with renewed focus centred in Sussex — nurturing grassroots creativity while remaining a vital voice for wellbeing across our sector.
The testimonials from community members have been deeply moving too, and we are taking time to absorb the appreciation and significance of the musical spaces we’ve created together.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey — the community members, partners, supporters and friends. And thank you to the Soundcastle team and board of trustees, past and present, for their trust and support.
To my forever inspirational co-founders, Hannah and Rachael, I want to say that it has been an honour to build this exceptional organisation with you and I can’t wait to see what you do next.
For now, I am holding immense gratitude for all that has been — and a quiet excitement for everything still to come.
As we move through this transition, Soundcastle will share further updates about the charity’s future direction.
