Electric Umbrella has launched a national campaign It’s Not a Crime to Be Different during National Hate Crime Awareness Week (11-18 October 2025)...
Electric Umbrella, the award-winning charity educating and inspiring communities through music, has launched a national campaign It’s Not a Crime to Be Different during National Hate Crime Awareness Week (11-18 October 2025).
The campaign encourages young people to celebrate difference, challenge hate, and become allies for inclusion, with the message: “If they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.”
At the centre is an original song and music video, co-written and performed by learning-disabled musicians from Electric Umbrella alongside Hate Crime Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary. The single, released on 11 October 2025 is supported by a short documentary and free educational resources for schools nationwide.
A special Westminster event took place on Tuesday 14 October 2025, with support from Hertfordshire Constabulary, the Department for Education, the local MP for Westminster, and No. 10 Downing Street. The day began outside No.10, before moving to The Houses of Parliament. Three minibuses full of performers burst into song outside the door of number 10 and in Old Palace Yard at the Houses of Parliament.
Photo by (c) Danny Clifford
The event was supported by officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Rachel Blake MP for Westminster, Lucy Rigby KC MP, Matt Turmaine, MP, David Taylor MP, Victoria Collins MP, Daisy Cooper MP, Adam Dance MP, Georgia Gould MP, Minister for School Standards, the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ (Electric Umbrella’s proud Patron), Councillor Catherine McArevey, the Mayor of Dacorum, and community leaders supporting the campaign.
Building on their national profile, including a recent appearance on Britain’s Got Talent where they received Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer and reached the semi-finals, Electric Umbrella has delivered workshops to over 60,000 children. Their digital and national academy programme launched last month, now reaches an additional 300 schools, helping young people challenge perceptions and become changemakers.
The campaign uses music to help the police communicate in a fresh and accessible way, show that Hate Crime will not be tolerated, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, and build trust with communities who may feel overlooked or unheard.
Mel Boda, Co-Founder and CEO of Electric Umbrella, said:
“When people and organisations come together with purpose, real progress is possible. We are so proud to partner with Hertfordshire Constabulary to challenge hate and remind everyone that it’s not a crime to be different.
It was so powerful to take this campaign to the heart of government, and feel so much support for this vital work.
At times like these, fostering understanding and unity is more important than ever. We encourage everyone to support this campaign and help us create safer, more inclusive communities.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said:
“Electric Umbrella have brought energy, joy, and inclusivity to Watford for years - from school performances and Christmas events to the national stage on Britain’s Got Talent. I’m so proud of their latest song, It’s Not a Crime to Be Different. It’s a powerful celebration of inclusion and unity, reminding us that kindness always beats hate.Huge credit to Mel Boda, Tom Billington and the whole team – they truly represent the best of Watford!”
Matt Turmaine, Member of Parliament for Watford was wowed by the atmosphere in Westminster and said:
“I am always uplifted when I see Electric Umbrella and let’s not forget they were terrific on Britain's Got Talent. There is a real buzz about them and their message about building a truly inclusive society – one where everyone, regardless of ability, is seen, heard and celebrated really resonates.”
Coming up: Fresh from appearing in Westminster, Electric Umbrella will be showcasing their talent & performing at the newly refurbished Watford Colosseum on Friday 7 November.
