At EdShift, we believe in the power of community. And on one unforgettable day in Sowerby Bridge – Halifax, that power came alive in the most joyful, boots-stomping, heart-warming way.

The Halifax Hoedown was our very first community and family event — and it was a huge success!

Set against a backdrop of toe-tapping country music, our aim was to bring families together, delivering a fun-packed day to raise much needed funding for our vital work, shining a light on an issue so often hidden in the shadows – the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people.

Bringing People Together

“As a society, we often shy away from talking about domestic abuse and its impacts,” said EdShift Founder and CEO Ellie Brook. “But by dancing the night away, we are making a powerful statement – one that says we will not be silent, we will act. There’s a universal silencing around domestic abuse and as a society, we still don’t want to talk about it and its impacts.”

Domestic abuse services across the country are disappearing. For many young people, this means waiting longer to access the help they need. At EdShift, we rely a great deal on funding and donations so that we can continue to deliver our ground-breaking arts-based therapy for children and young people facing domestic abuse.

The Halifax Hoedown brought people together so that EdShift could tell our story, share our mission and inspire people to take part, helping us to raise our profile and help raise vital funding. The response has been incredible.

Why the Hoedown Mattered

The Hoedown was more than just a celebration – it was a fight for the future. We’re fighting for the future of EdShift and the future of children and young people.

The Hoedown was our chance to tell our story, share our mission, and connect with families, local businesses, and supporters who care deeply about creating a better future for children affected by domestic abuse.

It was a celebration, and it was also a call to action. And what a celebration it was!

A Line-Up That Delivered

We were treated to an incredible line-up of live music, including the talents of Guy Surtees, The Mustard County Band, and The Hunters. The wonderful Cindy’s Stompers got everyone on their feet with incredible line dancing.

There were raffle prizes worth over £250, a bucking bronco (!), and smiles all around as families came together in support and for a chance to stand in solidarity with young survivors of domestic abuse.

What We Raised — and What We Gained

Right now, a young person impacted by domestic abuse in Calderdale could be waiting over 12 months for support. That’s 12 months of struggling alone with trauma, anxiety, and fear. We need to raise funding to ensure we can continue our services and expand our team and protect our space to welcome as many children as possible and change lives.

Thanks to our incredible attendees, donors, performers, sponsors, and the EdShift team, we raised a phenomenal £1,854.56!

Every ticket purchased, every raffle entry, and every ounce of support brought us one step closer to protecting and growing EdShift’s services. This funding will help us deliver more of our transformative, arts-based therapeutic support — and it gives us hope that we can reach the young people who need us most, sooner.

To all of you who supported us, attended the event, performed at the event and promoted the event, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We are so grateful for your kindness and ongoing support.

And to all of the team at EdShift, we couldn’t have done it without you, thank you.

A Message from Ellie

“Well, my feet hurt from stomping and my voice has almost vanished, but my heart is SO full! What a night! Thank you to every single one of you who came to the Hoedown. We raised an incredible amount of money — and we had the absolute BEST time.” – Ellie Brook, CEO

What’s Next?

The success of the Halifax Hoedown has inspired us to dream bigger. We’re planning to organise another Halifax Hoedown for next year! We want to continue to bring the community and families together for a fun-filled day with beautiful outcomes.

To every person who danced, donated, volunteered, or spread the word — thank you.

You’ve helped us fight for the future of children and young people.

Thank you.