We love rock and roll
From Councillor Ken Meeson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People on 03 July 2009
Solihull Council's Music Service is set to score success once again as it organises the biggest ever National Rock and Pop Festival which will take place at the NIA next weekend.
With over 1000 performers of all ages and styles, an attempt to break the world record for the number of people drumming at one time plus a whole day dedicated to guitars . . . this summer’s festival is set to be a scorcher.
In its 9th year, the annual festival is a non profit event run by the Music Service - which works with schools and pupils to support and encourage different kinds of music making, and was created to give up-and-coming talent a safe, secure venue that provides professional expertise and equipment.
This year’s event is being organised by the Solihull Music Service and will be the biggest one yet, with more workshops, more concerts and more young people taking part than ever before, plus added features including . . .
* Guitarfest on Saturday 11th July– The largest day of Guitars on earth! With the biggest name performers and the greatest bands performing under one roof from 12pm-5pm.
* Drumfest on Sunday 12th July- In its 11th year, it’s the only event in the UK to include a full retail village featuring all the major brands as well as hosting performances from top artists through out the day.
* Stick it to MS on Monday 13th July- A world record attempt to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis, people involved will be trying to smash the current record of 540 drummers playing at the same time. To find out how to take part visit http://www.rockandpop.org.uk/.
All other concerts start at 7pm on the 10th and at 7.30pm on the 11th and 12th.
There will also be an Education Day on the 10th where schools and colleges will be invited to experiment with instruments and will also be able to buy a range of music products - this is a free trip for pupils but all groups will need a ticket.
Richard Jones, from the Solihull Music Service and the festival organiser said: "This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet and the standard of bands entering staggers me. It’s fantastic to see young people from all over the borough coming together, doing something positive and creative and being supportive of each other. I know we’re in for a really special event."
A recent inspection rated the Solihull Music Service as being an innovative service with outstanding features and particularly praised the service for the work it does in Rock and Pop. It noted that it provides outstanding support to its pupils and that staff show a real commitment to developing young musicians as individuals.
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Ken Meeson said: “This event is one of a kind offering young people the opportunity to express their creativity and musical talent in a supportive, non-competitive and fun environment. I’m thrilled that it continues to attract more and more people each year and I’d like to say well done to everybody involved.”
Tickets for the Festival are available from the Solihull Arts Complex box office by calling 0121 704 6962.
To find out how to order tickets for the Education Day visit http://www.rockandpop.org.uk/ .
To find out more about the Music Service visit www.solihull.gov.uk/musicservice
For media enquiries only, Gemma Shryane on 0121 704 6136
Email: gshryane@solihull.gov.uk