A YOUNG transgender singer-songwriter from Warrington is set to take centre stage at the weekend to perform as part of the Warrington Music Festival.

Jordyn, who prefers to be referred to as ‘they’ rather than ‘he’ or ‘she’, had a difficult time at school and reached such a low point that the 16-year-old attempted to take their own life.

“People just weren’t listening to what I was saying in lessons. I’d get people shouting ‘tranny’ and ‘faggot’ down the hallways at me”, said Jordyn.

Eventually the 16-year-old decided it would be better for their mental health to leave school.

Jordyn connected with the Music Blast project funded by the national charity Youth Music with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Youth Music invests in 350 music projects around the country for young people in challenging circumstances.

These include disability, poverty, mental health issues or living in care.

Since joining the music sessions in January 2016, Jordyn’s confidence has soared – both musically and socially. 

Jordyn said: “I’ve started songwriting a lot more, I’ve become more motivated in general because now I know I have this group of people that are stood behind me that want me to do well.”

Jordyn's first gig was performed at the Warrington Music Festival last year.

The event was established in 2007 by Steve Oates of Score Creative Education to provide a professional and inclusive platform for young and emerging talent from Warrington and the north west.

This year features headline performances by 90s icons Cast and Space.

The Warrington Youth Café will host the Youth Music stage and young people from the Music Blast Group are overseeing the organisation and management of the event.

Jordyn is looking forward to performing again at this weekend’s festival.

“I’ve had a lot of exams recently so I’ve had to put my music on hold. I’m looking forward to the festival as a chance to get back into the music and escape from revision and exams," said Jordyn.

"I played the festival last year, which was my first ever gig.

"My music has changed so much since then.

"This will be the biggest gig I’ve played recently because I’ve been focusing on school work. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Jordyn performs on stage on Saturday and Sunday.  

For the full line-up click here and to watch the video for Jordyn’s debut single click here.