Our Journey of Creating Joy Through Music
From events expertise to social transformation - discover the story behind The Silent Disco Project
Our Story
What began as a shared passion for creating memorable events has evolved into something truly meaningful for John and Katie Donaghue.
When COVID halted John's events business, the couple pivoted to silent disco equipment hire following a village wide Silent Disco they arranged for 40 families in their village that were provided headphones and the couple transmitted music from their garden. They soon noticed something unexpected: schools reported students with additional needs joining celebrations for the first time, while care homes shared stories of remarkable resident engagement.
These discoveries revealed that beyond fun, their silent disco experiences were creating meaningful connections for people often left on the sidelines.
This insight sparked The Silent Disco Project® – delivering tailored sessions where joy and connection blend with therapeutic benefits.
Today, as a Community Interest Company, we bring transformative musical experiences to everyone, inviting participation in whatever way feels right.
Mission and Values
Our purpose is simple yet profound: to create joy and connection through innovative music experiences that welcome everyone, while pioneering silent disco as a recognised form of music therapy.
Innovation
We constantly seek new ways to make music more accessible and engaging, developing adaptive solutions that ensure everyone can participate fully.
Inclusivity
Every session celebrates different ways of experiencing music. Whether dancing energetically or listening quietly, we create space for all forms of participation.
Professional Excellence
Our commitment to quality shows in every detail – from our equipment to our highly trained team members, maintaining the highest standards with a warm approach.
Research & Recognition
We're building the evidence base for silent disco as a valid therapeutic tool, working to developing frameworks that can be implemented nationwide to realise its full benefits.
Community Impact
As a Community Interest Company, social impact drives everything we do. A portion of every booking supports our community programs, bringing music to those who need it most.
Our Leadership Team
John Donaghue
John brings strategic vision and social enterprise expertise to The Silent Disco Project, focusing on service innovation, business development, and community impact initiatives.
Co-Founder & Director
Katie Donaghue
Katie leads our day-to-day operations, overseeing service delivery, program development, team leadership, and partnership management to ensure successful impact implementation across all our initiatives.
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Advisory Team / Board of Directors
Our project is guided by a team of accomplished advisors who bring specialized expertise to support our mission
Kate Baker
Kate advises on youth music program development, educational partnerships, and impact measurement.
Director of Programmes, Music for Youth
Alison Kane
Alison provides guidance on therapeutic interventions, healthcare partnerships, and evidence-based practice, with specialist knowledge in SEND.
Senior Occupational Therapist, NHS
Nicki Watts
Nicki offers expertise in community arts leadership, inclusive practice, and stakeholder engagement.
Chair, People's Theatre Collective
Michael Brennan
Michael advises on governance, regulatory compliance, and organizational structure.
Chair, Retail Crime Initiativem Northants
FAQs
About Our Sessions
How do silent disco sessions work?
Our sessions use wireless headphones that allow everyone to listen to music at their own perfect volume. We provide
multiple channels of music, so participants can choose what they want to listen to. This creates a unique and inclusive experience where everyone can participate in their own way
What equipment do you provide?
We provide everything needed for a successful silent disco: high-quality wireless headphones, multiple transmitters, pre-loaded music players (or the ability to connect your own devices), and all necessary cables and accessories.
How many people can participate?
We can accommodate groups of various sizes, from small gatherings to large events. Our packages are designed for different group sizes, and we can customize solutions for your specific needs.
What types of music do you play?
We offer a wide range of music options to suit different tastes and age groups. For care settings, we have specially curated "Golden Hour" playlists featuring hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. For schools and community groups, we have a variety of popular music genres. We can also work with you to create custom playlists.
Booking and Logistics
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred date and time, especially for peak seasons.
What space requirements are there?
Our silent disco sessions are very flexible and can be held in a variety of spaces, indoors or outdoors. We just need enough room for participants to move comfortably.
What support do you provide?
We provide full support, from initial consultation and planning to on-site setup, facilitation, and pack-down. Our experienced team will handle all the technical aspects, allowing you to focus on enjoying the event.
How long do sessions last?
Session lengths can be customized to your needs. Our standard sessions are typically 60 minutes, but we can offer shorter or longer sessions depending on the group and the event.
Impact and Outcomes
What benefits can we expect?
Lots of benefits
How do you measure success?
We look at lots of factors.
Can you accommodate different needs?
Yes
What support do you provide staff?
Lots of support.
Start Your Journey
We're here to help create your perfect session
The Silent Disco Project is a Community Interest Company that uses silent discos to create transformative, joyful experiences, fostering connection and community across schools, care settings, and local groups.
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