Make Music Day UK – always on 21 June – is part of a global grassroots music festival, celebrating all kinds of music in all kinds of spaces, performed by young and old, professional and amateur, beginners and experienced musicians. Sign-up to the event is via the Make Music Day website.
Unique to this global celebration is that anyone can perform or take part, all events are free and, wherever possible, are in public spaces and streamed online. Started in 1982 as Fête de la Musique, there are now 19,000 events in France with two thirds of the population involved, and it has expanded to over 120 countries, from China to Argentina, Australia to Nigeria.
Themes for Make Music Day UK this year are: international collaboration, including twin city events; electronic music; digital performance; rural performance and music in libraries. Flagship events will be announced in due course. Make Music Day UK is proud to include Nicola Benedetti CBE and Lord Bird MBE amongst its ambassadors.
At the official launch, Barbara Eifler, Co-chair of Make Music Day UK, said:
“We are delighted to see communities across the UK embrace the opportunity to be part the world’s biggest participatory music festival. In just two years since starting to coordinate this festival in the UK, we are already reaching over 100,000 people. Last year nearly 7,000 musicians shared their talents and this year will be even bigger! Make Music Day is a chance for everyone to share and celebrate their kind of music with new people and be part of something bigger. It’s about shining a spotlight on all the amazing music which is part of every area and every community, but often hidden.”
In 2018 there were 558 free music events all over the UK, from the Isle of Wight to the Isle of Lewis. Locations included city centres such as London Bridge and Edinburgh, bandstands, libraries, hospitals, tube stations, pubs, gig venues, and rural performances on the Yorkshire moors – amongst others. Music performed included choral, pop, classical, folk, orchestral, jazz, world, brass band, R&B, rock, electronic, and more. All types of performers are welcomed in this inclusive feel good event.
More information at: www.makemusicday.co.uk or follow @MakeMusicDayUK on social media
Background to Make Music Day
Make Music Day is a global celebration of music that takes in over 120 countries on 21 June. In 2018 over 550 free live performances were hosted in the UK bringing interesting and surprising musical experiences to over 100,000 people (on the day and online). It involves performers, venues, event organisers, volunteers and supporters, with performances in a full spectrum of musical styles, and in a variety of venues including libraries, hospitals, schools, town squares, train stations, parks, shopping centres, pubs, cafes and traditional gig venues.
The official song for Make Music Day 2019 is Bring Me Sunshine.
Partners
Make Music Day UK has a network of around 100 partner organisations including Classic FM, Association of British Orchestras, Music Mark, UK Music, Youth Music, PRS for Music, British Council, Music for All, Making Music, Orchestras Live, English Folk Dance and Song Society, Voluntary Arts/Get Creative, NAMM Foundation, International Association of Music Libraries, Musicians Union, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Hal Leonard Europe and NYMAZ. The significant reach of Make Music Day is made possible by our partners’ combined networks and online presence.
