BBC Music has today (Monday 23 May) announced the full line up of events for BBC Music Day 2016 on Friday 3 June. BBC Music Day is a UK wide annual celebration of music that aims to unite communities across different generations.
BBC Tees will join the other BBC local radio stations by marking BBC Music Day 2016 with ‘Take it to the Bridge’. The celebration will see musical collaborations on over 40 bridges around the UK including The Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough.
The musical extravaganza on The Transporter Bridge will see a host of musical performances on the bridge throughout the day from 7am until 7pm. Each hour musicians will countdown through the decades from the 1910s through to the present day and beyond with a spectacular finale scheduled to bring the day to a close. Each performer will travel across on the gondola in a vehicle/s from their respective decade.
Taking us back to 1910 and kicking off the musical performances on June 3rd will be Fidget Feet Collective, a Dixieland Jazz band who will launch the BBC Music Day activities. Other bands performing throughout the day include:
- Ruth Lambert and Mick Shoulder will sing and play a selection of music from the 1930s.
- The 1940s will see BBC Introducing band The Meekats bring their version of rock and roll music to The Transporter Bridge.
- Representing the 1960s will be 13 year old triplets Isaac, Oscar, Theo and dad Adam who will be on stage with the Colin Holt band. They will perform a selection of hits from The Beatles.
- Multiple Borderlines Ukelele Duo – an indie folk duo from Teesside University will bring the music into the 1990s.
- Taking us into the 21st Century will be Teesside School of Music with a performance of music and songs from 2000-2016.
Accompanying the performers on the gondola will be various iconic vehicles from each of the decades including an Austin 10 (from 1935), a Triumph Stag and a TVR Chimaera (from 1995). These vehicles will then take part in a vintage car show in the car park next to the Transporter Bridge.
The final musical performance of the day will see Billingham Brass Band head back to the future as they give a rousing rendition of the theme tune from the ‘Back To The Future’ film on the gondola whilst crossing the River Tees. They will be accompanied by a Delorean car (similar to the one used in the film). They will be met by the Puma Cheerleading Club for a spectacular finale moment as The Band of the Royal Armoured Corps, Catterick Garrison will perform on the walkway at the top of The Transporter Bridge.
Phil Roberts, BBC Head of Regional Programming in the North East and Cumbria, said:
“Our part of the world has a fine musical heritage and I’m delighted that BBC Tees has really embraced the BBC Music Day celebrations in recognition of our contribution to the world of music. I think the BBC Music Day activities in Middlesbrough will really bring the town to life and I think there really is something for everyone. I hope people will come down on the day and get involved or if they can’t be there then join us on BBC Tees and BBC Look North to celebrate BBC Music Day.”
Middlesbrough Council are also organising a Family Fun Day in celebration of the opening of Transporter Park and in support of BBC Music Day. A big screen in the park will broadcast music from the gondola. The park opening will be carried out by children’s favourite Mr Bloom, as seen on CBeebies, at 1.30pm. Mr Bloom will also be performing with his band on the stage. Tickets for this event are sold out but families will still be able to view the performance from various spots around the park. Other activities in the Park include: A packed programme from 11am to 6pm will also feature the BBC interactive tent, community stage, arts and crafts, seed planting, a vintage tea room and a vintage car rally.
You can also follow the live action throughout the day online via the BBC Tees website; through social media (@BBCTees on Twitter) and through BBC Local Live.
BBC Music Day is returning for its second year, celebrating all types of music from around the UK and the Channel Islands. Bringing live music to people through an exciting range of events around the theme of collaboration, it aims to unite communities across different generations. BBC Music Day will feature broadcasts across BBC TV, Radio and digital services from 6am to midnight.
For more information about BBC Music Day, a wider regional events list and details of how to get involved, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/musicday.