BBC Music today announces that Kylie Minogue, Gareth Malone and Jarvis Cocker are amongst the famous names taking part in BBC Music Day, which features programming and events building up to and on the day itself - Friday 28 September.
Superstar Kylie has recorded some very special music-related messages that will be played out at major rail stations on that day. The nation’s favourite choirmaster will be hosting a brand new show, Gareth Malone’s All Star Music Quiz, for BBC Two. Jarvis Cocker with Candida Doyle and Bez with Rowetta Idah take part in a Pulp versus Happy Mondays Bargain Hunt special on BBC One
Now in its fourth year, BBC Music Day is an annual celebration of the power of music to change lives. This pan-BBC initiative features live music events and performances across the UK involving famous musicians, choirs and local community music groups. This year, there will be many more celebrity and choir Transport Takeovers, a focus on Women in Music and huge TV and radio support - as well as Gareth Malone’s All Star Music Quiz and the Pulp versus Happy Mondays Bargain Hunt, there’s a Pointless Celebrities BBC Music Day Special, an episode of Trust Me, I’m a Doctor looking at how music can benefit our mental health, plus programming on BBC Four, coverage on The One Show and BBC Breakfast and much more. There will be tailored content across BBC network and local radio, including a 6 Music Freshers’ Week Tour visiting art schools around the UK.
Kylie, Gareth Malone, Gabrielle, YolanDa Brown and Blossoms will be BBC Music Day Ambassadors - with more to be announced who will be taking part in a range of events and broadcasts in celebration of the day.
Kylie says: “BBC Music Day is a wonderful initiative - I truly believe in the power of music to bring joy and lift the soul. I am absolutely thrilled to be supporting it this year and very proud to be a BBC Music Day Ambassador. Hopefully my little messages for train passengers will be a nice surprise and a reminder of the power of music as they go about their daily locomotion journeys on Friday 28 September.”
Gareth Malone says: “I’m so excited to be hosting my very own music quiz show on BBC Two - it’s going to be a lot of fun and, of course, a perfect accompaniment to celebrating BBC Music Day. So much of my work and passion is to bring people together to make a difference to their lives through music so I’m also extremely honoured to be a BBC Music Day Ambassador.”
Bob Shennan, Director of BBC Music and Radio, says: “The UK is truly a nation of music lovers. BBC Music Day aims to bring the nation together to celebrate this, from pop and rock to classical and choirs and everything in between - there really is something for everyone to enjoy!”
Rebecca Sandiford, Commissioner of BBC Music Day, says: “BBC Music Day partners with many national organisations and local community groups who all come together to make this a very special annual celebration of the power of music. Whether performing with a group or enjoying the entertainment as you pass through your local station, I hope BBC Music Day brings some joy through our shared love of music and its potential to change lives.”
BBC Music Day 2017 featured almost 1,000 live music events across the UK, reaching an audience of 8 million on TV and 12 million on radio. This year a dedicated BBC live page will reflect all the special moments of the day. To find out more about the activities and broadcasts happening this year visit bbc.co.uk/musicday.
