Bristol is undeniably one of the UK’s top musical cities—where else could produce Massive Attack, Roni Size and Idles? But it’s now time to encourage the next generation of young musicians in the city with an annual celebration of music-making, Make Music Day.
What started in France in 1982 as a dedicated day to music, with no barriers to people playing and enjoying live performance, has now spread to more than 125 countries. This Saturday, June 21, expect a day-long programme of free pop-up activities and mass-participation musical events across Bristol.
“We are delighted to bring together Bristol’s musicians to showcase the diverse talent here for Make Music Day,” said Samir Savant, Chief Executive of St George’s Bristol. “There will be 25 choirs and other groups of all genres performing across eight city centre venues, and the best news of all is that it’s all free. Come and enjoy!”
What’s happening for Make Music Day?
Groups performing on the day include Dovetail Orchestra, Rising Voices, UHBW NHS Choir, and many more, while host venues are St George’s Bristol, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, RWA, St Stephen’s Church, and St Mary Redcliffe. You can also find pop-up, flash-mob style performances outside Bristol Hippodrome and at Arnolfini.
Dan Pate from Big Friendly Choir, Raff Pack and Choirs For Good said, “Many of our singers could never have imagined themselves as performers before joining a choir, and opportunities like this are so joyful, confidence boosting and make us feel part of the Bristol music community. We can’t wait to take part!”
St George’s Bristol is also running several projects on the importance of live music for mental wellbeing—including the ground-breaking Sing for Happiness project, which looks into links between singing and mental wellbeing. On Make Music Day, the Sing for Happiness singers will perform a free, live flash-mob style version of Les Miserables’ ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’ at 11.30am.
To celebrate Make Music Day, St George’s Bristol Café Bar will be giving away 1000 free scoops of Marshfield Ice Cream on the day—simply book a free ticket to any of St George’s free Make Music Day events. Plus, both the Café Bar and Pinkmans at Bristol Cathedral will be giving free teas or coffees for anyone who comes in and sings their order!
The full schedule of events is available via the St George’s website here.