Welcome to Cliftonville Beats
Cliftonville Beats was a vibrant digital participation project delivered in February 2024, in collaboration with Arts Education Exchange in Margate and primary schools Cliftonville Primary and St John Holy Trinity. This initiative engaged young people aged 9–17 in music creation, performance, and dance, fostering creativity and community connection.
The Project
Through free workshops in beatboxing, rap, and body percussion, participants explored elemental themes inspired by winter in Margate and rhythmic influences from South America. These workshops culminated in the creation of an original musical score, which became the soundscape for the dance-for-camera film "Brutal Echo."
Community Engagement
As part of the project, we hosted an "EU Disco" event under the "We Stand Together – The EU Club" initiative, run by Cliftonville Community Centre. Produced in collaboration with Victoria Barrow-Williams from People Dem Collective, the event featured:
Live performances by local rap artists
An open mic session
Caribbean food
Dance from Tango to Free-style
A preview projection of "Brutal Echo," showcasing the final film output of the project
This celebratory gathering brought together diverse voices, fostering a sense of unity and cultural exchange.
Legacy and Impact
Cliftonville Beats exemplifies Round in Circles Productions’ commitment to socially engaged, collaborative art. By working closely with local schools, community organisations, and young creatives, this project highlighted the power of music, dance, and storytelling to inspire and connect communities.
We hope this story will inspire future collaborations with those interested in commissioning innovative, community-driven work.