The idea
Back bigger and better after last summer’s fantastic launch, Mint Street Music Festival is bringing an eclectic mix of sounds to an audience of all ages at Mint Street Park, SE1. The festival is free and runs from 12 noon to 7pm.
Featuring performances varying from Latin to rock‘n’roll, Indie to Afrobeat, there will be plenty to discover – confirmed acts include The Curious Incident, Pink Cigar, Johnny Freyre & Kalima Project and Double Bangz. With two further stages offering workshops, dance groups, children’s activities and local talent, it will be an event to get involved with too.
There will also be food stalls, a community jumble sale, market stalls, craft activities and a tea tent from Blackfriars Settlement.
What we'll deliver
- Introduce people to new music by showcasing a variety of genres
- Provide performance opportunities for unsigned bands to break into the festival circuit
- Bring the community together with an event that is accessible to all ages and backgrounds
- Through our volunteer opportunities, offer skills development and enhanced employability
Why it's a great idea
Last year's estimated attendance was 400 people. We are now aiming for 700+ people from across the borough.
Our volunteers gain valuable skills and we have provided a number of references for employment and further volunteering.
Whilst there are other local festivals, ours is uniquely focussed on music, providing a platform for musicians to break into the festival circuit. Last year, friends helped fill a line-up in which everyone played for free. We now aim to extend the opportunity to play by covering musicians’ expenses.
Our music workshops for adults and children showcase small businesses that provide local opportunities to participate in music making and dance.
By working with Mint Street Adventure Playground, Blackfriars Settlement and St Mungo's Broadway we raise awareness of and give opportunities to these organisations. This year we will also invite Peabody volunteers from the local estates and their youth scheme.
Steps to get it done
- Programme a line-up of exciting new music from diverse genres
- Recruit volunteers from the local community.
- Secure sponsorship for our publicity and ensure that the event is well publicised locally
- Ensure that outcomes are measured and feedback is gathered and assessed
- Secure festival infrastructure - PA's, gazebos, generators, signage, access to toilets etc.
- Work to our event plan to ensure that the festival is safe and well regulated.
We believe that music have the ability to inspire and transform lives. Furthermore, we feel that opportunities to make and enjoy live music should be accessible to all.
