Pods of Sunshine
From performing on stage to owning the microphone.
THE STORY
“Not just telling stories — owning them”
WHAT HAPPENED
It began with listening.
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, young people interviewed local residents who remembered the original moment — capturing history through conversation.
But something shifted. They didn't just want to listen. They wanted to speak.
That moment sparked Pods of Sunshine — a youth-led media platform where young people create podcasts, conduct interviews, document their communities, and tell stories that matter to them.
This is the next evolution of Pianos, Pies and Pirouettes.
From performance to voice. From participation to authorship.
Because real change happens when young people are not just included in the story — but in control of it.
“We're not just part of the story anymore — we're telling it.”
WHY IT MATTERS
This is bigger than a performance.
Backed by Richard Blair and the Orwell Society, and aligned to the Lundy Model of participation, this gives young people safe space, voice, audience and influence.
IMPACT
- Youth voice and agency
- Media and storytelling skills
- Intergenerational connection
- Aligned to the Lundy Model of participation
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
Watch the story unfold.
Pods of Sunshine — community production, Wigan
IN PICTURES
Moments from the production.
OUR WORK
Seven projects. One connected story.
Swipe or use the arrows to browse — same carousel as the homepage.
Beyond Wigan Pier
When a town stopped being written about and started writing back.
Wigan Warriors × Royal Ballet
Redefining what boys are allowed to be.
HAF Programme
Three sites. Hundreds of children. One purpose.
The Story Behind PPP
From one piano to a whole community.
Pods of Sunshine
Not just telling stories — owning them.
The Brick Song
A town singing about what it usually walks past.
ITV Granada Reports
Regional television documenting community arts, young voices and Wigan’s story.
Want to support work like this?
PPP is actively seeking funding partners who believe in what culture can do for communities. Get in touch.