Youth-Focused
We are dedicated to providing accessible music activities to young people and families in the local area.
We listen to the young people and make informed decisions based on their feedback.
Welcome to
Neston Samba Pirates
Experience the joy of music with our sustainable, free youth samba band, performing at community events and fostering a love for group music making.
Join us and be a part of something special.
Volume Up!
Neston Samba Pirates have performed regularly at the Neston Christmas Light Switch On and other events like Maggie's Fest.
Empowering Community Through Rhythms
Neston Samba Pirates offers inclusive music-making opportunities, with a special emphasis on nurturing the musical talents of youngsters and families. Our vibrant youth samba band thrives on playing diverse Brazilian and contemporary music styles, attracting a dedicated group of children aged 8-16 years. From rehearsals to community performances at events like the Neston Lights Xmas Switch On, we bring joy and harmony through the power of music. Get in touch at piratesamba@gmail.com to join the rhythm!
Why Choose Us
Experience the joy of group music making with us for free.
Inclusive
Neston Samba is an inclusive band - we pride ourselves on our accessibility.
We are one of the best attended youth samba bands in the North West.
Community Engagement
We bring energy and rhythm to regular performances at community events such as Neston Lights Christmas Switch On in conjunction with Neston Town Council. In January 2025 we launch SambaNanas - you don't need to be a Nana to join but the group is for age 16+.
Learning And Education
We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience music.
Stu Hardcastle provides workshops and drumming sessions to local schools and community groups.
Neston Samba Pirate Team
The grown ups that lead and support the group - they also have chance to play and they love it!
Stuart
Bandleader Stuart Hardcastle is one of the UK's most well known and experienced drumming workshop leaders.
In 2003, he founded BeatLife in Liverpool and coauthored the Beatlife Book, which is used by community groups worldwide.
He has been a mentor/ advisor for Future Leaders (Manchester), Kinetika Bloco (London) and since 2007 has worked with Oslo International Mela to develop their participation programme.
In 2006 he was named "Simply the Best" at the Toxteth Educational Trust awards.
Kirsty
Kirsty fell in love with the alto saxophone when she was 13 years old. Her teacher, Lynn, inspired and encouraged her through tricky teenage years and she has now been playing the saxophone for a few decades, moving into the tenor saxophone in recent years, also experimenting with the flute, clarinet, djembe and other instruments. She learnt the piano from a young age and still takes pleasure from it now.
Kirsty's professional background is in communications and engagement - specifically looking at environmental and sustainability issues.
Kirsty loves joining Neston Samba Pirates each week - seeing the children who have been part of the group for the last few years developing and growing musically.
Luci
Luciana Mercer is an artist and multi instrumentalist from Liverpool best known for being a founder member of all female art pop group Stealing Sheep. Over 15 years the group has toured internationally, released numerous acclaimed albums and have curated events, collaborating with orchestras, multimedia artists and had a phenomenon cultural impact throughout all their pioneering work.
Luci’s core instruments are drums, percussion and vocals as well as songwriting, arrangements and creative direction. This has led to becoming a saught after member of numerous groups delivering workshops that work with young people such as 50/50 Street Band in Oslo
Stealing Sheep’s 4th studio album is due to be released in 2025 alongside the launch of her solo project Lula as well continuing to work as a versatile session musician with numerous acts both live and in the studio.
Kirsty
Kirsty first discovered her love for music whilst in school, learning to play clarinet and tenor saxophone.
She returned to music later, graduating from Liverpool Hope University in 2015 with a 1:1 in BA (Hons) Music, and continuing on to complete her MMus Performance at the University of Liverpool, and later the Trinity Certificate for Music Educators.
Kirsty works as a woodwind tutor with the local music service, and leads the Wirral Schools’ Junior Band which has grown to over 45 children under her baton.
Kirsty plays clarinet regularly in several local orchestras and in her spare time plays snare with Neston Samba Pirates.
Get in Touch with Neston Samba Pirates
From our regular groups and early years work through to further education, SEN units and corporate events, our workshop delivery is at the highest level. If you would like us to deliver sessions for your school or organisation, or if you are interested in joining our community band, contact us at piratesamba@gmail.com.
FAQs
Answering common queries to provide clarity and assurance.
Who can join the Neston Samba Pirates?
Our group music activities are open to all ages and families, free of charge. We currently have a waiting list for our junior samba band, please email piratesamba@gmail.com to be added to the list.
When and where does the youth samba band meet?
The youth samba band meets weekly to practice Brazilian and modern styles.
What other groups do you run?
We're starting a SambaNanas group in January 2025. You don't need to be a Nana to join us, this is a group for age 16+ though. Email piratesamba@gmail.com and we'll get you booked in!
How can I contact the Neston Samba Pirates for more information?
Feel free to reach out to us via email at piratesamba@gmail.com for any queries.