Schools across the UK will be introduced to folk music next week – thanks to an online, interactive performance live from Helmsley.

The Tappy Lappy Quartet, an acclaimed English folk group. will take to the stage at Helmsley Arts Centre next Tuesdaym September 24 and schools right across the country are invited to tune in.

The performance will be live-streamed as part of youth music charity NYMAZ’s Connect Resound programme.

It is the latest in a series of similar events which aims to use technology to create more music education and enrichment opportunities for children living in rurally isolated areas where transport times, costs and logistics challenge traditional methods of provision.

Sarah McWatt, Director of NYMAZ, explains: “We want every child to experience a wide range of musical styles and experiences. And we don’t believe that living in a rurally isolated area like North Yorkshire should be a barrier. To be able to introduce children right across the UK to folk music in such an engaging way is really very exciting.”

This performance is a collaboration between NYMAZ and the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS).

While schools across the UK can tune in via their classroom whiteboards, Helmsley Community Primary School will be part of the audience at the Arts Centre.

The Quartet is made up of melodeon player Dave Gray, vocalist Bryony Bainbridge and guitar and fiddle players Matt Jones and Kev Lees, who are both BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winners. The four musicians met while playing on Newcastle’s folk scene.

Connect: Resound is funded by the Hamlyn Foundation Education and Learning Through the Arts Fund and Music for All.

To tune in, visit www.connectresound.live/watch on September 24 at 2pm. A Teachers Resource Pack is also available at www.connectresound.live/resources