More than just music.

BUILD CONFIDENCE. FIND CREATIVITY.

Free DJ workshops for young people in Annan and across Dumfries & Galloway.

Free to attend No experience needed Kit provided
Why we're doing this

Something positive to put their energy into

Growing up in Gretna, music was a huge part of my life, but there weren't really places where you could get into DJing and learn the craft. I'd love to change that for the next generation.

D&G DJ Project gives young people a chance to be creative, express themselves and find a hobby they can really get stuck into. It's also about building confidence, improving focus, making friends and having something to look forward to each week.

Not every family can afford lessons or equipment, so we're working with funders and local supporters to make sure money is never the reason a young person misses out.

Loyd Howes, Founder

100+

responses to our very first post asking if Annan wanted this.

The community has spoken. Now we're building it.

The sessions

What young people will get out of it

Hands-on evening workshops in small groups, on real DJ equipment.

Learn to mix

Beatmatching and blending tracks, step by step.

Get creative

Find their own sound, build sets and express themselves through music.

Build confidence

Focus, patience and the buzz of performing in front of others.

Make friends

A friendly crew, a weekly routine and time away from screens.

Loyd Howes mixing on CDJs in a club
Loyd DJing at Linekers Ibiza
View from the DJ booth over a packed dancefloor
Meet the founder

Hi, I'm Loyd

I started DJing at 14 on a pair of belt-driven turntables, learning the hard way. That was over 15 years ago, and I've been hooked ever since.

Since then I've played all over the UK, held a residency in Ibiza, and run and co-run events and festivals across Cumbria. I still produce my own music and gig today.

I love all genres of music, but behind the decks it's house, techno, tech house and electronic.

In many ways, music saved me. D&G DJ Project is my way of passing that on, so young people round here get the start I had to go looking for.

15+ years DJing Ibiza residency Gigs across the UK Events & festivals across Cumbria House · Techno · Tech house · Electronic Producer
For parents and carers

Who it's for, and how we keep everyone safe

Who it's for

  • Young people in the local community
  • Annan and the surrounding areas, growing across D&G
  • Complete beginners welcome
  • Free, with all equipment provided

Safety first

  • Two adults at every session
  • All adults go through Disclosure Scotland's PVG scheme
  • A written safeguarding policy we follow at all times
  • Photos only ever taken with parental consent
Get started

Register your interest

Sign up and we'll be in touch as soon as dates and places are confirmed. Our first sessions will be a small pilot group.

Parents and carers

Register a young person for the workshops.

Volunteers and helpers

Every session needs two adults, and we need venues, kit and funding too. However you'd like to help, we'd love to hear from you.

Venues

Got a hall or room in the area free in the evenings? Get in touch.

Schools and youth groups

We'd love to work with you to reach the young people who'd benefit most.

Funders and sponsors

Help us keep every session free and buy kit for the young people.