Arts & Culture
Music to our ears as Swindon’s musical youngsters Make a Noise

‘Make a Noise’ will be attracting capacity audiences at Swindon’s flagship youth centre The Platform, in Faringdon Road, over the next fortnight, featuring a galaxy of exciting events being laid on to appeal to the Borough’s young music lovers. 

A singing and dancing bonanza, ‘Make a Noise’ will see over 1,000 pre-schoolers and reception-age children showing what they can do in a busy programme running from 27th March to 6 April, in front of packed audiences.  

Lynn Hawkins, Swindon’s Early Years and First Steps Music Lead, said:  “Besides the music groups that run through the week and weekends for Swindon Young Musicians, ‘Make a Noise’ is giving us the chance to host a number of really high profile events.

“These youngsters are at the very earliest stages of their musical journey and we’re thrilled to welcome so many people to this unique event. This doesn’t happen anywhere else in the country and The Platform is the perfect to hold it.  

“The children love the intimacy of the old building and they are so excited about coming and sitting on the train, which perfectly chimes with this year’s theme of ‘Transport’.  The Train even features in the concert performance!

“At present the performances are fully booked, and there is currently a waiting list for anyone wanting to register their children to take part. But to check if spaces have become available, please contact us for further information on 01793 401754, or check the website: Swindonmusicservice.org  for more details.”

Lynn added: “With a small break from the ‘early years’ over the weekend of 1/2 April to allow for rehearsals on the Saturday, The Platform then hosts the gala National Festival ‘Music for Youth’ concert on 2 April.  ‘Music For Youth’ is among the Regional (South West of England) rounds for the national Music for Youth programme staged across the country, and this is the fourth year that Make Music Swindon has hosted the event at The Platform.

“This draws in young musicians of the highest standard into The Platform to a perfect venue for such a prestigious event.  We’re proud we can offer such a lovely venue for these and many other events throughout the year, such as gala evenings, performances, festivals, conferences, training facilities, wedding receptions and fairs.  We are certainly kept very busy as we strive to keep Swindon on the cultural map.

Cllr Fionuala Foley, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, added:  “Following on from the joint concert by our Young Musicians with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra members at The Platform, this again demonstrates our determination to offer the best possible musical opportunities in Swindon to our young people. I am confident everyone – whether the young music makers or their parents and friends – will have a wonderful time and come away inspired.”