What an achievement! The people we support in Swanton Community Services Lancashire lit up the Burnley Christmas light switch-on with a show-stopping, high-energy cheer and dance routine alongside their staff team. For many, it was their very first time performing for such a huge crowd — and the cheers, smiles and heartfelt reactions from families, peers and the wider Burnley community made the moment truly unforgettable.
Team Leaders Akila and Donna performed on stage with the group, while colleagues and families proudly supported from the audience.
Akila said, “The comments we received afterwards were incredibly heartfelt – ‘They all did amazing!’ and ‘They were so brave!’ Many of the people we support have worked so hard on communication, expression and managing anxieties, so seeing them channel all of that into something joyful, shared and completely public was honestly a privilege.”
As the performance ended, cheers erupted, families wiped away tears, and the performers jumped with excitement. “The crowd gave us the loudest cheer of the night,” Akila added. “It left the people we support overwhelmed in the most beautiful way.”
The performance came about through the group’s weekly attendance at Basically Cheer, a local community hub in Burnley where they’ve been practising cheerleading routines. Their instructor and Managing Director, Lianne, approached Akila and Donna to ask whether the group would like to take part in the light switch-on. When they shared the idea with the people they support, the response was instant and full of excitement. The team felt it was a chance for them to be seen, celebrated and included on a much bigger scale, while giving each person the opportunity to feel valued and proud.
In the run-up to the event, the atmosphere was busy, vibrant and buzzing. Staff supported with costumes, rehearsals, grounding techniques and lots of encouragement. Donna bought green and purple ribbons so everyone could wear Swanton colours, helping the group feel united and confident. Akila described it as feeling like one big family getting ready together.
On the night, there were some nerves, but once the music started and the stage lights came up, everything changed. “The lights, music and cheers helped them come alive,” Akila said. Afterwards, many talked about how proud they were of themselves and how much they enjoyed performing. For every single person, it was their first time performing for such a large audience, and each one showed incredible courage.
Families were overflowing with pride. Many brought banners and posters, cheering loudly and capturing photos and videos. Parents told the team how amazed they were to see their loved ones showing such confidence and joy, saying it was a moment they would treasure forever. People from the local community also shared their appreciation, describing the performance as uplifting, heart-warming and a wonderful example of inclusion.
For both Akila and Donna, the performance captured everything they strive for within the SCS Lancashire team. It celebrated individuality, encouraged creativity and gave people the chance to shine in front of their wider community. It showcased empowerment, involvement and the belief that everyone deserves opportunities to grow and achieve.
Looking ahead, the group now has another exciting milestone: a cheerleading competition in Blackpool in February 2026, where they’ll once again take to a large stage in front of judges and a crowd. “We’re hopeful for a trophy,” Akila said, “but the confidence and happiness they’ve gained is already a win.”
Akila also offered a heartfelt thanks to their cheer coach. “A huge thank you to Lianne Bruce at Basically Cheer for her weekly coaching, patience and dedication. She’s created a truly inclusive environment where the people we support feel capable, welcome and excited to learn.”
She added, “Nights like this remind us why we do what we do. The joy on their faces, the pride in their families, and the sense of shared celebration are moments that stay with us. We’re incredibly lucky to support such inspiring individuals every day.”
Swanton is incredibly proud of every single performer for bravely stepping onto the stage and giving such a fantastic performance! We’re already excited for your next show!
