SUNDERLAND is calling on Wearside’s musical talent to step up to the mic when the city takes part in national Make Music Day.
On Friday 21 June, musicians will shine a spotlight on all musical genres by staging performances online and live across the UK.
And Sunderland city centre is giving a platform to its homegrown talent, with busking spots across the city centre where local music makers can showcase their skills, singing and performing everything from R&B and rock and roll to pop and folk.
The city’s involvement in Make Music Day has been organised by Sunderland BID, Sunderland City Council and We Make Culture and they are looking for a diverse cross section of musicians and singers to fill the available slots.
Make Music Day first came to the UK in 2012 and the number of gigs taking place has grown year on year.
The first UK-wide coordinated event took part in 2017 with support and funding from national organisations resulting in 147 performances.
This is the second year the city has taken part in the global initiative and Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said the event “is great showcase for anyone looking to bring their music to a wider audience.”
The busking spots will include High Street West, Sunniside, Market Square, Park Lane and The Bridges and she added: “We’re looking for musicians playing different instruments along with artists, singers and any other performers linked with music.
And I hope as many people as possible will head to the city centre and enjoy the performances from our local musicians.
“The event takes place on 21 June every year and I can’t think of a better way of marking the longest day than by celebrating our fantastic, home grown talent.
Laura Brewis, project director at We Make Culture, said: “we are really excited to be taking part in Make Music Day for the second year.
“It gives the many young artists we work with through our Young Musicians Project a chance to showcase their talent, alongside more established local artists and is a brilliant way to show people how much creativity and potential there is in the city.”
“Sunderland has a thriving local music scene with lots of talented acts we can all be proud of, and Make Music Day is a great way to showcase this.
“The day is a brilliant addition to the city’s events calendar and we know from last year’s event that the live music helps to create a real buzz in the city centre.”
The slots will be available from 11am to 3pm and people can express their interest by filling out a form at https://forms.office.com/e/8Xyj9Mu0Aq?origin=lprLink
For further information contact info@sunderlandbid.co.uk
