Pubs, clubs and other venues could be set to benefit after Communities Minister Don Foster yesterday announced a summer of free community concerts which is expected to attract over 200,000 people. The event, which will take place from 11 to 14 July, is the successor to last year’s Bandstand Marathon and is part of the government’s Olympics legacy.
Communities Minister Don Foster
This year’s event, Our Big Gig, is sponsored by the Department for Communities and Local Government with additional funding coming from Arts Council England and the National Lottery. Concerts will take place across every part of England with others expected in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch Mr Foster said it offers the opportunity for people in every city, town and village to meet and get to know each other.
“Last year 200,000 people attended free concerts over the closing weekend of the Paralympics, and just like the games themselves, they brought people from all walks of life together.
“The government is keeping the Olympics spirit alive and making the games and their legacy benefit current and future generations and these concerts are an important part of this,” he said.
The concerts are being co-ordinated by Superact which is looking for 275 community organisers across the UK to become part of Our Big Gig 2013. The type of people they are searching for are those with good connections to their local community, with an interest in music. They must also be associated with an existing organisation or group with its own bank account. This could be a local music group, a rotary club, or a school for example.
The community organisers will be expected to attend a regional training event after which they will receive a budget of £400 to spend on booking venues, musician’s expenses and other related costs. They will also be provided with promotional material including posters, banners and a local press pack.
Alan Davey, Chief executive of Arts Council England, said Our Big Gig will be a highlight of the summer and will introduce audiences to new bands and different styles of music.
“This is a great opportunity for communities to think big, to nurture home grown talent and to come together in celebrating the many joys that music can bring. I can’t wait to see the results,” he said.
Anyone interested in becoming a community organiser has until 12th May to apply via the Our Big Gig website.
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