This in from Katharine Lane, Associate Director of Superact, in their own words. Following this event, they tell us they plan to have 500 bands playing across the UK next year! – Ed
Rylstone Gardens at Shanklin will be alive with the sound of music on Sunday 25th September at 3pm as local bands, including Cowes Concert Band, take part in a Bandstand Marathon as part of the Cultural Olympiad, which is designed to give everyone in the UK a chance to be part of London 2012 and inspire creativity across all forms of culture, especially among young people.
Bandstand Marathon is organised by Somerset based not-for-profit music development agency Superact and the event will use not only bandstands but public spaces simultaneously across the UK for enthusiastic performances of many types of different music.
Ali Smith, Superact Director, explains “The Bandstand Marathon started life in 2008 with the aim of enlivening public spaces and celebrating the nations much loved bandstands.
Estimated 150 venues taking part
Over the past 3 years we have seen audience numbers grow throughout the UK and we expect this year to be bigger than ever!” She continues “With an estimated 150 venues taking part this year we are hoping to provide performance opportunities for over 3,000 musicians across the UK. This is Superact’s largest UK project and we are very proud to be providing one of the most widespread UK Cultural Olympiad events”.
The project was recently granted the Inspire mark, for the fourth year running, by the London 2012 Inspire programme which recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “Bandstand Marathon is encouraging local music groups to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Superact we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in creating a cultural legacy post-London 2012.”
Music to suit all tastes
Andy Norman, Cowes Concert Band’s musical director, said: “We are delighted to be contributing to this prestigious event and will be performing brass band music to suit all tastes.”
For more details, please visit the Bandstand Marathon website or call Katharine or Sue at Superact on 01823 666641.
