GMBD Music Hub Singing Challenge 2026

Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen Music Hub are delighted to be working in partnership with Out of the Ark Music for this year’s Singing Challenge.

Every primary school across the region will receive four months of free access to Sparkyard, Out of the Ark’s singing streaming service, so pupils can confidently learn the song Go To The Park and take part in this exciting shared singing event happening on the 18th June at 2.15pm. Take part however suits you by singing in your local park, in your playground, in the assembly hall – anywhere you choose to.

Unite in song on Thursday 18th June at 2.15pm!
Tune in to Oldham Community Radio on the day and sing along! 99.7FM, DAB and www.oldhamcommunityradio.com.

Go To The Park, by Mary Green and Julie Stanley, is a punchy, swing-style song that’s great fun to sing and celebrates the joy of getting outside into our wonderful parks. This song is a great way to introduce easy part-singing, and has an instrumental break for you to add your signature dance moves or percussion to!

From now until the 20th June 2026 you can claim your four-month free subscription to Sparkyard. During this time you’ll be able to learn and practise Go To The Park, as well as explore over 1000 more great Out of the Ark songs, plus assembly plans, a flexible and innovative primary-school music curriculum, and much more!

Whether you’re new to Sparkyard or already love singing with your pupils, everything you need to get involved is right here.

How do I get started?

If your school already subscribes to Sparkyard:

• Simply log in to your Sparkyard account.
• Use the search bar to find Go To The Park and start singing!

If your school does not have a Sparkyard subscription:

1. Claim your free, four-month subscription*:
   • Click here to get started!
   • Complete the sign-up process using your school’s details. NB: You will be quoted the price for a 12-month subscription. Please don’t worry - you will not be paying anything!
   • Enter your promotion code in the promotion code box during the checkout process when prompted: GMBDCHALLENGE
     
2. Add payment details:
   • You are required to add payment details during the checkout process, but no money will be taken.
3. Set up your account:
   • Follow the on-screen steps to activate your free subscription.
   • You’ll have full access to Sparkyard, including Go To The Park and hundreds of other songs and resources.
4. Share with your staff:
   • Invite other teachers at your school to join your Sparkyard organisation so everyone can get involved. Here’s how! (log in to view this guide)
5. Start learning and singing!
   • Sing songs, explore assemblies, find out about our music curriculum, and much, much more! Oh - and don’t forget to prepare for the Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen Singing Challenge too!

Important:
If you get a notification that says someone else in your school already administrates your Out of the Ark account, please ask them to sign up for your free subscription, or give us a call on 020 8481 7200.

Need help?
If you have any questions about the Singing Challenge, please contact your local Music Service. For technical support with accessing your free subscription, please call 020 8481 7200 or email info@sparkyard.com.

*Free subscription available for schools who do not already have an active subscription.

Terms & Condtions

• Your exclusive code can be used from 16 March until 20 June 2026 and will give your school a free subscription lasting four months from the date applied.
To claim your discount, you will need to click the Add promotion code button when prompted and enter the code GMBDCHALLENGE when you purchase a Sparkyard subscription via the link above, or via www.sparkyard.com.
• If you are an existing Sparkyard trial user you can use the discount code against a new subscription up until 20 June 2026.
• This offer is only available for customers who are taking out new Sparkyard subscriptions.
• This offer is only available for state-funded schools in the Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen area.
• Your free subscription will last four months. After which, your subscription will automatically expire.*
• No cash alternative to the discount will be offered.
• The discount is not transferable.

*All schools in the Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen area can take advantage of a 30% discount on a subscription to Sparkyard after this offer ends. Simply purchase again, and use the code GMAN252630, valid until 30 September 2026. Contact your local Music Service for more information or for a new discount code during 26/27 academic year.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sparkyard