How sight loss hasn’t stopped this inspirational Manc Mum from loving live music

A city famous for its vibrant music scene has a new kind of rock star: Nina Chesworth.

For Nina, the energy of a live gig isn’t just about the music—it’s about freedom. Despite losing her sight completely in 2018, this 42-year-old mum is proof that nothing—absolutely nothing—can stop you from hitting the dancefloor.

Losing her sight in 2018 could have meant losing moments like this, but instead, it’s made them even more meaningful.

Henshaws sight-loss charity

Manchester’s music scene has always been at the heart of Nina’s life. But navigating a busy venue without sight comes with its challenges. With Kath’s support and her own determination, Nina has found new ways to embrace the magic of gigs, proving that sight loss is no barrier to living fully—and dancing boldly.

With her best friend Kath Murray by her side, Nina’s nights out at gigs and clubs are just as energetic as ever.

It’s a story of resilience, friendship, and a shared love of music.

Nina, who lives in Chorlton, faced her first brush with sight loss as a toddler after contracting a flu virus that damaged her vision.

Then, at 26, an accident at work caused her to lose her right eye.

Despite these challenges, she embraced life as a single mum to her now 14-year-old son Dylan and launched a creative café inspired by the arts and crafts sessions she ran with Henshaws, a sight-loss charity.

Kath and Nina

But life threw another curveball when Nina lost sight in her remaining eye, plunging her into total blindness. This is where Kath, a fellow mum she met through their sons, came into the picture—and their friendship became the ultimate game-changer.

“Kath’s been my gig buddy and partner in crime,” Nina shared.

The two quickly figured out how to adapt their nights out so Nina could still enjoy her favourite tunes—and her trademark dance moves. Together, they’ve crafted seven golden rules for making the most of Manchester’s music scene with sight loss.

Nina and Kath’s Seven Tips for going out with sight loss

1. Plan Before You Party
   Nina advises agreeing on the support you need before hitting the town. “Once you’re out in a noisy, busy place, it’s hard to discuss what you need.”
2. Create a Check-In System
   Whether it’s a gig or a club, Kath lightly taps Nina on the shoulder while dancing to let her know she’s nearby. “It gives me freedom and independence,” says Nina, who’s even perfected the art of dancing with her cane.
3. Scout the Space
   At bars, Kath helps Nina find a quieter corner. But at gigs? “We head straight to the front! That’s my happy place,” Nina laughs.
4. Describe the Scene
   Kath paints a picture of the environment, from the decor to the crowd. “She’s great at filling me in without making assumptions about what I’d like to know,” Nina explains.
5. Keep Communicating
   “It’s all about having ongoing conversations,” Kath says. “What someone needs can change day to day, so staying flexible is key.”
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Say Hi
   Nina encourages strangers to start conversations without fear. “Introduce yourself, ask if I need help—but don’t act like I’m fragile or make assumptions.”
7. Let Go and Enjoy
   “Acceptance is everything,” Nina emphasised. “If you focus on how things ‘used to be,’ you’re missing out. Live in the moment.”

Manchester – the Music City

The dynamic duo has danced their way through countless Manchester gigs, from Christine and the Queens to Jungle. They even make an annual pilgrimage to the Sounds of the City festival, proving that music really is a universal language.

Now working as a Lived Experience and Campaigns Coordinator in the charity sector, Nina is breaking down stigma around vision loss one blog post at a time. Her blog, Blind But Sound, is an empowering space where she shares her experiences and inspires others to embrace life.

“It’s vital to hold on to the parts of yourself that bring you joy,” Nina says. “For me, that’s dancing and live music. I’m not going to let sight loss take that away.”

With support from Henshaws, Nina’s journey highlights how resilience, community, and creativity can turn even the toughest challenges into triumphs. And as Manchester’s nightlife knows well, the dancefloor is big enough for everyone.

For more information about Henshaws’ services you can visit their website here or call on 0300 222 5555.