The loud, proud, bold and beautiful Electric Umbrella returns to Rickmansworth next week, promising an evening jam-packed with giant interactive sculptures, music, dancing, live artwork and much, much more.

This will be the second time the event, which is described as a new type of club night run by over 18-year-olds with learning difficulties, has been held.

“I was first approached by Three Rivers District Council to run a series of weekly workshops involving adults with learning difficulties called Get Set Create back in September 2012,“ explains musician Tom Billington, Electric Umbrella founder.

“I had spent years in bands, touring and making records and had subsequently been spending my time working in a circus, TV, session work and education. I had the idea that I’d like to make an album or put on a gig to give the project some focus.

“We looked around to see if there were any performance opportunities in the area and the truth is, there were a few weekly discos and get-togethers, but nothing that really grabbed our imaginations.

“So, we decided to take a risk and put on our own show. What it eventually became exceeded all of our expectations and the future of the Electric Umbrella is looking very exciting.“ The Friday sessions are run in 12-week blocks at The Centre in South Oxhey with approximately 20 members.

“Each week we get together to write and record songs, play instruments, design logos, design and print our own T-shirts and posters, sing karaoke, eat lunch, hang out – it’s just like being in a band,“ enthuses Tom “We have visiting artists and workshops and everyone gets their chance to be involved on whatever level they want to. We support each other and are a great bunch of friends.“ In the last four weeks leading up to the big gig, The Electric Umbrella crew take their show on the road, visiting a number of special needs centres in the area including Watford Mencap, Shepherds Day Services, Watford Day Services and The Monday Club.

Enlisting the help and services of the many artists and technicians he knows from the professional world of entertainment and media, Tom has created something special for everyone.

“The night happens to involve and accommodate people with disabilities and those who face extra barriers in life, but it really is something for everyone to enjoy.

“It really is not an ’us and them’ situation. When we dance, when we sing, when we let ourselves go, there is nothing between us and we celebrate that every time we are together.“

  • Electric Umbrellas is at Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth, Thursday, February 27, 6.30pm to 10pm. Get Set programme: Three Rivers District Council, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth. Details: 01923 776611, 01923 711063, leisure@threerivers.gov.uk, www.watersmeet.co.uk