Make Music Day is growing from strength to strength every year. At the time of writing, there are 207 music performances that are scheduled to happen across the UK on 21 June, and hundreds more across the globe.
It all started in France when Maurice Fleuret became Director of Music and Dance at Minister of Culture Jack Lang’s request. When he discovered, in a 1982 study on the cultural habits of the French that out of five million people, one young person out of two played a musical instrument, he began to dream of a way to bring people out on the streets. It first took place in 1982 in Paris as the Fête de la Musique.
An international phenomenon
Ever since, the festival has become an international phenomenon, celebrated on the same day in more than 1000 cities in 120 countries.
Guiding principles insist that all events take place on 21 June (the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere); that the events are free at the point of entry; and that events are accessible to the general public.
Headline events – UK
BRISTOL
Bristol will showcase Making Music members and Bristol musicians in Millennium Square, with films on the big screen and live lunchtime performances from Bristol Samba Band and the Orchestra of Everything. There will also be live music in venues across the city including Bristol Airport, St George’s, The New Room, St Mary Redcliffe, Withywood Community Arts Centre and the Rope Walk in Bedminster.
More info and times
CARDIFF
Making Music, Ty Cerdd, and Tafwyl Festival join forces to host Make Music Day in Cardiff. Expect a strong variety of performances and workshops for all. Revellers should head to the Glanfa Stage on Friday 21st June to join in the fun.
More info and times
LONDON
In London, Kinetika Bloco, will parade the Low Line through the railway arches of London Bridge to Potters Fields with a series of music experiences in parks, the entrances to bars and other places and spaces along the way arriving at stunning riverside amphitheatre venue, The Scoop. Once there, music fans will also be treated to performances by Smiley and the Underclass, Hotsteppas, THe PETEBOX, Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu.
More info and times
EDINBURGH
Performers will take to the rooftop of Waverley Mall, Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh, with a vibrant, lively outdoor celebration of Make Music Day, showcasing leisure time music makers and the colour they bring to the Scottish musical landscape. Plus, the Storytelling Court and Café in Edinburgh will play host to a day of music with choirs and acoustic instruments; performances beginning every half an hour.
More info and times
Search for an event near you
Events are being added every day and will be until 21 June. So if you’d like to know what’s happening in your area, keep an eye on the Make Music Day website, where you can search by genre, performance type and location:
Want to put on your own event?
It’s not too late!
Make Music Day is a day of music performed by anyone, enjoyed by everyone, and filled with as many different events as possible in all sorts of spaces and places. You can sign-up and contribute as a performer, venue or event organiser.
You can get inspiration from the many successful events that have taken place in previous years – covering a multitude of genres, locations and styles.
makemusicday.co.uk/case-studies