For National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2025 (11th-18th October), Hertfordshire based charity Electric Umbrella took to the streets of London to perform against some of the city’s most iconic backdrops, including 10 Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament.
To coincide with the week, Electric Umbrella, the award-winning charity educating and inspiring communities through music, launched a national campaign It’s Not a Crime to Be Different. 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 11th October 2025 is supported by a short documentary and free educational resources for schools nationwide.
A special Westminster event took place on 14th 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.
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.
Mel Boda, CEO of Electric Umbrella, commented: “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.”
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.”
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!”
It’s Not a Crime to Be Different is now available to stream from Spotify and Apple Music, and can be watched on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoFOWriqfX8&list=RDEoFOWriqfX8&start_radio=1
There is also a short documentary on the campaign available to watch at: https://youtu.be/428JM6mvtpo?si=MxhaPHkYxIyyaGxH
