A lifelong dream that began with a passion for making music education accessible to everyone is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year as JDT Music Academy marks its 25th anniversary. Founded in 2001 by Janel Spalding and business partner Pete Wright, JDT was born from Janel’s vision to create a music school where people of all ages and backgrounds could access high-quality creative opportunities in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Twenty-five years later, that vision has grown into a thriving Music & Creative Arts Centre that has supported thousands of children, young people and adults through music, creative arts, performance, community projects and creative experiences. While JDT has evolved considerably over the years, one principle has remained constant: helping people discover confidence, develop their talents and find a place where they belong. Today, that philosophy is captured in the centre’s motto, “Be Inspired. Be Heard. Be You.”, which sits at the heart of everything the organisation does.
The anniversary celebrations began in spectacular fashion on 16 May when more than 120 students performed at St Nicholas Church in a special showcase celebrating JDT’s 25-year journey. The showcase featured performances from across the centre’s programmes and included an emotional highlight from the JDT team, who performed a specially written original song inspired by the organisation’s motto. The performance reflected the values that have shaped JDT throughout its history and received a heartfelt response from the audience.
A special guest performance was given by former JDT student Nathan Gregory, who studied at the centre before graduating in 2010 and has since built an international career as a professional drummer and educator, performing around the world. Returning to perform as part of the anniversary celebrations, Nathan presented his self-written piece, “Bug”, inspiring the next generation of performers and demonstrating the lasting impact creative education can have on young people’s lives. To mark the occasion, every performer who took part in the showcase was presented with a commemorative anniversary medal in recognition of their contribution to this landmark celebration.
The anniversary year has also provided opportunities to celebrate the people who help make JDT such a special place. Staff took part in a special Bake Off challenge held at The Food Hub Cookery School near Stowmarket, where teams designed and created anniversary cakes inspired by JDT’s 25th birthday. The winning creation came from Tiggy and Jude, whose spectacular vegan cake, inspired by a drum kit, impressed judges and fellow staff members alike.
The celebrations culminated on 13 June with JDT’s 25th Anniversary Ball at the beautiful Hunters Hall, Swanton Morley, bringing together students, families, staff, volunteers, supporters and community partners from across the organisation’s history. The evening provided an opportunity to celebrate not only the achievements of the past 25 years, but also the many individuals whose dedication, generosity and commitment have helped shape JDT into the organisation it is today.
Special presentations were made to a number of long-standing supporters and contributors, including members of the Friends of JDT committee, who have helped raise thousands of pounds for both JDT and local charities through fundraising and volunteering. Recognition was also given to Scott Turner, whose generous donation of time and expertise over recent years has helped document numerous performances, events and projects through photography and videography, as well as supporting the centre’s website and promotional materials. Further awards recognised Phil Wilcock and Carl Spalding for their invaluable work helping transform and improve the JDT building, and Harry Howe, whose support alongside his late wife Izzy has spanned the organisation’s entire history.
A particularly moving moment came with the launch of the inaugural JDT Family Legacy Award. Created to recognise outstanding commitment, contribution and support to the JDT community, the award was established not only to celebrate those who embody the values of JDT, but also in memory of Janel’s late parents, Sue and Roger Spalding, whose encouragement and belief helped make JDT possible from the very beginning. Roger played a pivotal role in the creation of the original JDT facility, helping to design the building and personally constructing many of the internal walls that remain part of the centre today. His legacy continues to live on within the building and community he helped create. Sue, who sadly passed away shortly after JDT opened, shared in the vision from the very beginning and was a constant source of support and encouragement.
The inaugural award was presented to Helen and Graham Howe, Tiggy’s parents, in recognition of their years of dedication, service and unwavering support to both the organisation and the wider JDT family.
For many years, Helen and Graham have been an integral part of JDT life, generously giving their time, energy and encouragement wherever needed. Their commitment to the centre, its staff, students and families perfectly embodies the spirit of the award and the values it was created to celebrate.
The evening concluded with an emotional surprise tribute to Janel Spalding. Unbeknown to her, former and current students had recorded a series of heartfelt messages reflecting on the role JDT had played in their lives. During a 15-minute presentation, they shared stories of the friendships they had formed, the confidence they had gained and the opportunities they had been given through the centre, describing how their experiences at JDT had helped shape who they are today. The tribute highlighted the lasting impact Janel has had on generations of young people and families throughout the community, leaving many guests visibly moved.
In a light-hearted nod to one of Janel’s most well-known traits, she was also presented with a commemorative watch to mark the centre’s 25th anniversary. Friends, staff and students affectionately refer to operating on “JDT Time”, making the gift both fitting and warmly received by guests. The celebrations continued long into the evening, with guests taking to the dance floor as the outstanding Agent Orange Band provided the entertainment. Their energy, musicianship and crowd-pleasing setlist had guests singing, dancing and celebrating together right through to the very end of the night, providing a fitting finale to a memorable 25th anniversary celebration.
Reflecting on JDT’s 25-year journey, founders Janel and Tiggy Spalding said:
“When we opened JDT in 2001, we simply wanted to create a place where people could access music and creative opportunities in a supportive and welcoming environment. Twenty-five years later, we are incredibly proud of the community that has grown around us and the thousands of people who have become part of the JDT family.”
“One of the most emotional moments of our anniversary celebrations was hearing from former and current students during the surprise tribute at the Anniversary Ball. Listening to them talk about the friendships they had made, the confidence they had gained and the role JDT had played in shaping their lives reminded us exactly why we started this journey in the first place.”
“As we look ahead, we’re excited about the future, including our upcoming renovations and plans for a new Community Café. While JDT has evolved over the years, our purpose remains the same: to inspire creativity, build confidence and create a place where everyone feels valued and supported.”
Looking ahead, JDT continues to invest in its facilities and community programmes as it enters its next chapter. Major improvement works are planned for 2026, beginning with a complete refurbishment of the centre’s toilet facilities in August. This will be followed by the creation of a new Community Café, a long-term project designed to provide an additional welcoming space for families, workshops, social activities, community projects and creative opportunities. As it celebrates its silver anniversary, JDT remains committed to inspiring creativity, nurturing talent and strengthening the community it proudly serves — ensuring that future generations continue to be inspired, be heard and be themselves.
