Today sees the start of 170 free concerts across England this weekend, 11-13 July, bringing people from all backgrounds together to listen to and participate with the best local musicians. The ‘our big gig’ events will be free for both participants and spectators, and will feature more than 7,000 musicians and 2,000 volunteers helping stage events at venues ranging from shopping centres, schools, town centres, churches, parks and village greens to pubs, the Auckland Castle and Mersey Ferries.
All venues will be open to people all ages. The gigs are part of government’s work to bring people together in strong united, communities, as well as an “Inspired by 2012” project which aims to keep the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics alive.
Minister for Communities Stephen Williams said:
“Live music is a great way of getting people from all different backgrounds and from right across the country involved in their local community and have a weekend of free entertainment into the bargain. The Our Big Gig weekend will help turn strangers and neighbours into friends and encourage lots of people to get involved in music, in some cases for the first time.”
The Buszy, Milton Keynes
The Buszy 401 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1LR
Sat 12 Jul 2014 12:00 – 18:00
Event organised by Make a Difference and The Attic Unplugged which is a monthly open mic night for 13-25′s in and around Milton Keynes. It hosts a range of singer songwriters, bands & MC’s. Their aim is to inspire young people to make a difference to their lives and the lives of others we do this by offering positive activities, volunteering & training opportunities to children & young people aged 8 to 25. Follow them on Twitter @MaDTeamMK and check out their Facebook page
The Wynd, Letchworth Garden City
Sat 12 Jul 2014
The Wynd, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EN
Event organised by Rhapsode CIC which is a community arts organisation, working with professional artists (all art forms) to put on collaborative and participatory arts events.
Charlie Browns, Luton
Sat 12 Jul 2014
Charlie Browns, 114 – 134 Midland Road, Luton, LU2 0BL
Event organised by Plant Pot Productions who ran High Town Festival last year as part of Our Big Gig. They have been promoting gigs for several years and they try to incorporate a wide selection of musical styles to satisfy the eclectic tastes of the local area.
Park Town Community & Children Centre, Luton
Sat 12 Jul 2014
Park Town Community & Children Centre, Bailey Street, Luton, LU1 3DU
Event organised by Park Town Community and Children Centre and Luton Culture The Park Town Community Festival serves the local community; it is a one-day out door community event bringing the whole community together.
The Rye, Bucks
Sat 12 Jul 2014
The Rye, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 1BJ
Event organised by SV2G who are a Heritage & Arts Organisation that runs muisc workshops and manages the School of Steelpans & Wycombe Steel Orchetsra.
Holwell Primary School, Welwyn Garden City
Sat 12 Jul 2014
Holwell Primary School, Holwell Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 3RP
Event organised by Polish Saturday School in Welwyn Garden City which provides an educational and teaching support to the members of the Polish community, particularly children.
The Practice Roomz, Stevenage
Sat 12 Jul 2014
The Practice Roomz, Unit 6 Pond Close Ind Estate, Walkern Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 3QP
Event organised by The Practice Roomz which is a music studio facility based in Hertfordshire, offering rehearsal space, recording, live events, music video and photography.