Excitement builds for inaugural #BarrowMusic event

VENUES across Barrow are set to be packed with a diverse array of music performances and workshops for people of all ages to enjoy next weekend. From Thursday, September 30 to Sunday, October 3,…

VENUES across Barrow are set to be packed with a diverse array of music performances and workshops for people of all ages to enjoy next weekend.

From Thursday, September 30 to Sunday, October 3, the first ever #BarrowMusic festival will put on a series of events to celebrate the creative arts and to help inspire future generations to enjoy music.

Performances include an evening with Alan McGee - best known for being the man who discovered Oasis, a sold-out gig from the band Scouting for Girls and the Northern Chamber Orchestra which will incorporate four pieces of music selected by the people of Barrow into its concert; Mamma Mia, Bittersweet Symphony, Rather Be and Fly Me to the Moon.

The Forum will also play host to an Educational Music Conference for young people, working with Cumbria Music Hub, South Lakes Rock School, BBC Radio Cumbria, BBC Music Introducing in Cumbria and BIMM Manchester.

Across the weekend, the town centre and the Book Corner on Duke Street will also showcase talented musicians from the local area and further afield at pop-up stalls, supported by Barrow BID, Heritage Action Zone and TNT Records, and events at established venues including Barrow Underground Music Society, The Derby, Tailors and Aspire.

Saturday’s events, organised by Barra Culture, will include the chance for children aged 5 to 8 to make music with students of The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at Barrow Library in the morning and attend live music at New Look Barrow. In the afternoon, the whole family can soak up the atmosphere of the Big Fish, Little Fish Family Rave Up at The Forum, then head down to Barrow Library for more live music. The events at the library are part of National Libraries Week.

The weekend will also incorporate Silver Sunday, a national day where people of all generations can join together to enjoy fun activities for older people at The Forum. Working in partnership with Age UK Barrow and District, the programme will include performances from Chris Barker, South Lakes Rock School and the Barrow Male Voice Choir as it marks its 90th year.

#BarrowMusic is the result of a collaboration by South Lakes Rock School, Barrow Underground Music Society, The Forum, Barrow Borough Council, Barra Culture and Barrow BID. It is hoped it will become an annual event.

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, said it was going to be an exceptional weekend for those passionate about music and performance.

“This is an exciting weekend for the arts community in Barrow and what a brilliant opportunity for the town,” Cllr Thomson added.

“With such a variety of music performances and workshops being held next weekend, there will be something for everyone.

“Putting on events like #BarrowMusic in our town is crucial and it will be exceptional. Not only will it help to inspire people to pursue a career in music but also encourage others to maybe start a new hobby and learn all there is to know about music and its many genres.

“I’m really excited to see what the future holds for #BarrowMusic.”

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ENDS