Youth Music’s ‘Give a Gig Week’ takes off with 100 fundraising gigs set for 24th – 31st March

“Give a Gig is a really good idea because it allows singers, musicians and venues to do what they’re already doing for the benefit of a young person.”  Laura Mvula, Ambassador, Youth Music

National charity Youth Music launched Give a Gig Week in January, asking the music-loving public to put on fundraising gigs. The charity aimed to get 100 gigs taking place between 24-31 March, all raising money to support life-changing music-making projects nationwide. After a phenomenal response, the charity has now smashed its 100 gig target.

Live music events will be taking place across the country in venues including living rooms, iconic music venues, schools and nightclubs. A huge variety of genres are represented, from indie bands to classical choirs and jazz quartets.

Matt Griffiths, CEO, Youth Music says:  “We’re thrilled with the response from so many different choirs, bands and musicians all over the country who are giving their talent, time and effort to put on fundraising gigs for us. It’s the first time we’ve held Give a Gig Week and we’re very excited to see it all coming together.  We’re incredibly grateful to all those taking part in what’s set to be a week-long extravaganza of great live music.”

Many leading music venues are supporting the initiative including the Hard Rock Café, Ronnie Scott’s, Omeara, Rich Mix and the Pizza Express Jazz Club in London along with Sage Gateshead and Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Yorkshire-based band The Monotones have chosen the most unusual venue – they will be busking on each of the Three Peaks in the Pennines, live-streaming each one. There are even events taking place outside the UK, with world-renowned DJ Paul Oakenfold dedicating a dance party in Singapore to Give a Gig.

Funds raised from the week will support Youth Music’s work with young people experiencing very challenging circumstances including disability, poverty and mental health issues. The charity supports 350 music projects each year, providing music-making opportunities for over 75,000 children and young people.

Griffiths added: “Everyone taking part should feel very proud that their live gigs will support more music-making opportunities for  young people in challenging circumstances, helping them to develop personally and socially as well as musically.”

Ray BLK, winner BBC Sound of 2017 supported Give a Gig with her recent sell-out gig at Village Underground London, also featuring Stormzy and Wretch 32. Last Thursday, Some Velvet Morning’s gig at Scala, London supported the charity.

List of 100 gigs and Information on each gig can be found at www.giveagig.org.uk