Full Breakdown
King Charles III Engages with Young Creatives in Manchester
3/16/2026, 11:21:35 PM
King Charles Tries His Hand at DJing
During a recent visit to Manchester, King Charles III engaged with young people supported by his charitable foundation, the King's Trust, at Aviva Studios, home to the arts organization Factory International. The King was invited by 22-year-old aspiring DJ Christian St Louis from Middleton, Greater Manchester, to try his hand at DJing. St Louis guided the monarch through the basics of mixing tracks, explaining, "First, you load up the tracks and then play this one. There are so many buttons. Once you know what to do, it's easy." As King Charles attempted to master the controls, he humorously remarked, "I'm trying to get the hang of it," acknowledging the challenge of the task.
Creative Futures Initiative
The visit highlighted the collaboration between the King's Trust and the Elba Hope Foundation, established in 2024 to launch the Creative Futures program. This initiative offers free courses aimed at inspiring young people through the arts, enhancing their skills and confidence for careers in creative industries. St Louis expressed gratitude for the DJing course he completed through the trust, stating it had been "more than helpful" in pursuing his passion. He is now looking for employment to save for his own DJ equipment and aims to release an EP.
Another beneficiary, 19-year-old Mariama Gallow from Manchester, shared her original poem with the King. Gallow, who participated in a creative music course, has since expanded her studies to health and social care. King Charles praised her work, noting he had previously seen footage of her poetry shared by Idris Elba, saying, "It was fantastic. Really, really good."
Impact of Creative Futures
The Creative Futures program has positively impacted over 100 young people in Manchester, with plans for expansion to other regions across the UK. The Factory Academy, which operates from Aviva Studios, focuses on providing accessible career pathways into the creative sector, enhancing skills in areas such as stage construction, lighting, sound, and production.
Official Engagements and Public Interaction
In addition to his interactions with the young creatives, King Charles unveiled a commemorative plaque marking his visit and enjoyed an open-air performance by a choir from the Royal Northern College of Music. He also took time to engage with members of the public who gathered outside the venue, posing for photographs despite the rainy weather.
Conclusion
King Charles III's visit to Manchester underscores his commitment to supporting youth initiatives through the King's Trust and highlights the importance of creative education in fostering talent and confidence among young people. The Creative Futures program, in collaboration with the Elba Hope Foundation, continues to inspire and equip the next generation for careers in the arts.
