Our Big Gig kicks off a weekend of free music across the UK

11 July 2014, 17:13

Thousands of musicians will perform in venues from St Ives to Shetland from 11-13 July

More than 7,000 musicians will perform in nearly 200 free gigs across the UK this weekend. Venues from St Ives to Shetland, including Mersey ferries, skate parks, village greens, a hospital and a castle will host the shows which run from 11 to 13 July. 

Our Big Gig, organised by Superact, aims to keep the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics alive by bringing communities together. 

Emerging young talent as well as experienced musicians will perform in styles including Caribbean, classical, African drumming, brass bands. Some will even make music using BMX and skateboard parts. 

In 2012, more than 200 community-led performances attracted 200,000 people on the closing day of the Paralympics. Last summer’s Our Big Gig was attended by more than 200,000 people across the many free concerts. 

“Live music is a great way of getting people from all different backgrounds and from right across the country involved in their local community,” said Minister for Communities Stephen Williams.

“With a weekend of free entertainment thrown into the bargain, the Our Big Gig weekend will help turn strangers and neighbours into friends and encourage lots of people to get involved in music, in some cases for the first time.” 

To find a gig near you, go to Our Big Gig's interactive map.