King Charles Takes the Decks in Manchester, Inspiring Young Creatives
His Majesty King Charles demonstrated a surprisingly keen interest in the vibrant arts scene of Manchester during a recent visit, even taking the DJ decks for a spin. The monarch toured Aviva Studios, the impressive home of arts organisation Factory International, where he met a group of young individuals who have benefited from the crucial support of The King’s Trust.
Among those showcasing their talents was 22-year-old aspiring DJ Christian St Louis from Middleton, Greater Manchester. With infectious enthusiasm, Mr. St Louis invited the King to try his hand at the mixing table, guiding him through the fundamentals of beat-matching and track selection. “First, you load up the tracks and then play this one… there are so many buttons,” Mr. St Louis explained, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Once you know what to do, it’s easy.”
As His Majesty moved to the rhythm, an onlooker couldn’t resist commenting, “It’s not as easy as it looks, is it?” King Charles, with a chuckle, responded, “I’m trying to get the hang of it.” The experience clearly resonated with Mr. St Louis, who shared with the King how a DJing course facilitated by The King’s Trust had been “more than helpful.” He proudly declared, “I always wanted to DJ. Now I know I can do it.” His ambitions are clear: he’s currently saving to purchase his own decks with the ultimate goal of releasing his own EP.
This initiative aligns with the broader impact of The King’s Trust. In 2024, the organisation joined forces with the Elba Hope Foundation, a charitable initiative established by actor Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina. Together, they launched “Creative Futures,” a program offering a series of free courses designed to ignite passion and build essential skills in young people aiming for careers in the creative industries. The connection to the Elba family is personal, as Idris Elba himself received support from The King’s Trust (formerly known as The Prince’s Trust) during his teenage years.
The visit also highlighted the diverse talents fostered by The King’s Trust. Mariama Gallow, a 19-year-old from Manchester, impressed the King by reciting her own poetry. Ms. Gallow’s journey through the trust has been multifaceted, initially undertaking a creative music course and subsequently exploring health and social care. King Charles expressed his admiration, mentioning that he had already been captivated by a film showcasing her poetic talent, which Idris Elba had shared with him. “It was fantastic. Really, really good,” he enthused.
Furthermore, His Majesty engaged with young individuals who have acquired valuable technical skills through the Factory Academy, based at Aviva Studios. These young creatives have been learning the intricacies of stage construction, including lighting, sound, and production.
The “Creative Futures” program has already made a significant impact, assisting over 100 young people in Manchester and now extending its reach to support aspiring creatives in other regions across the United Kingdom. Established in 2018 by Factory International, the Factory Academy is dedicated to creating accessible career pathways within the creative industries and enhancing creative skills throughout the region. Its collaboration with The King’s Trust has been instrumental in delivering the “Creative Futures” programmes.
Concluding his visit, King Charles unveiled a plaque commemorating his tour. The event was further enlivened by a performance outside by a choir from the Royal Northern College of Music. Despite the inclement weather, members of the public, including child-minder Jodie Pownall with her brood of young children, had gathered to catch a glimpse of His Majesty. The King took a moment to speak with them and posed for a photograph, a warm gesture that undoubtedly rewarded their perseverance in the rain.
