One month to go ’til the launch of the 2015 Our Big Gig!
10th June 2015
It’s 1 month to go until Our Big Gig the largest annual community music event which will take place in towns and cities across England from 10 to 12 July.
Across the country young people and community groups have been working to bring their communities together to celebrate local musical talent and put on free music events for everyone to enjoy.
This year communities are crowdfunding for their events through Spacehive, the crowdfunding website for civic projects, with support from the Department for Communities and Local Government and not for profit arts organisation Superact.
Baroness Williams of Trafford said:
This summer, Our Big Gig will give music lovers across the country the chance to enjoy a weekend of free bands and live local gigs – as well as the chance to get to know their neighbours thrown into the mix.
And, if you’re a budding promoter and want to support your local music scene, there’s still plenty of time to get involved.
In Bristol young people from the Bristol Urban Artists Development Project, led by international jazz and blues singer Kizzy Morrell alongside young people living in sheltered housing are planning a free music celebration in the exciting new Bristol city centre community space, the Projekt.
In Lincoln Our Big Gig in the Arboretum was created by 2, 15-year old girls who shared their views about living in the neighbourhood and expressed a lack of things to do for people of their age. The event has grown from strength to strength and is now an annual celebration of the park and talent in Lincoln, with this year set to be bigger than ever.
In Bradford young people from All Star Entertainment are presenting ‘Sound of the Suburbs’ as part of the annual ‘Urban Festival’, taking place on Saturday 11 July in Centenary Square. Working in partnership with Bradford City Council, they will be creating their very own Pod Village! The main stage will feature live music from some of the UK and Bradford’s finest, DJ sets, and special guest appearances plus street dance.
In London the Diamond Jubilee Gardens in Twickenham’s Embankment will present a showcase of local music in entertain and inspire people to take part in local music making opportunities. Organised by local volunteers this annual event will see over 50 performers, both young and old, take to the bandstand.
In Birmingham, Acocks Green Carnival has raised £546 through Spacehive to support a music stage and music workshops space as part of the annual carnival. There will be a dedicated youth stage showcasing music from local schools and young performers from across Birmingham.
It’s not too late to get involved this year. Register now for the opportunity to secure £200 towards free music events in July or register as an unfunded event to be part of this nationwide celebration. See more details.
Or you can help make a local event happen by pledging money.
Caryn Tomlinson, SVP Communication, Universal Music Group said:
More than 350,000 people have had a wonderful day out at an Our Big Gig event over the last 3 years, the weekend showcases brilliant new bands, ensures that instruments get dusted off each year and above all, teaches young people new skills – all with music at the heart – a truly great way to build a sense of community.
Read more on the GOV website
