Music is a hugely powerful form of expression, shaping cultural identities and inspiring reflection. Every country has its own wonderful musical heritage, and here in the UK, we celebrate ours on National Music Day each year. Events take place across all corners of the country as part of the celebrations, soundtracking the nation and showcasing the very best artists and ideas.
When Is National Music Day?
National Music Day, also known as Make Music Day, takes place on the 21st of June 2023. Wherever you are, there are a huge number of ways that you can get involved up and down the country. From attending talks and concerts to focusing on musical education in your school, National Music Day provides the perfect opportunity for some overdue reflection on the impact that music has on all of us.
The History Of National Music Day
National Music Day is inspired by the Fete de la Musique, a French all-day musical celebration that started back in 1982. The UK’s version was born 10 years later in 1992, when Mick Jagger and Tim Renton, the Minister of State for the Arts at the time, kicked off a programme of over 1,500 events.
Music Day celebrations always take place on the date of the summer solstice. This tradition harks back to the very first French event, which was scheduled with the solstice to symbolise the light that musical harmony brings to our lives.
Despite the music industry and landscape changing over the years, the core values of remain very much focused on spreading joy, and despite a short hiatus following the UK’s 1997 event, celebrations have been thriving since their reintroduction by a new organisation in 2012.
Why Is National Music Day Important?
National Music Day is a hugely important cultural event as it offers a unique opportunity to both engage with and learn more about musical heritage and discover why cultural expression through music is so important.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this day stand out on the UK’s event calendar:
Creates Learning Opportunities
A good musical education is key to inspiring creativity in young people, so if you work in an educational setting or are a music teacher, National Music Day is a great chance to inspire young learners. In the weeks building up to the main event, you could take the time to explore different musical styles and cultures and then schedule a performance that showcases all of these on National Music Day itself. There are plenty of opportunities for those that aren’t so keen on performing too. National Music Day provides the chance to share knowledge, so encourage students to create presentations about what they like about music for a great collaborative opportunity.
Helps To Discover New Talent
National Music Day is a great way for up-and-coming artists to perform for a bigger audience than usual. There tend to be some great multigenre festivals and concerts put on to mark the occasion which give local talent a chance to showcase their talent and gain some well-deserved recognition. For listeners, this means that National Music Day is the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizons and discover music that you might otherwise have overlooked.
Brings People Together
One of the greatest things about music is that it has the power to bring people from all kinds of backgrounds together. National Music Day highlights this power, as there is space for all genres and cultures to demonstrate their passion. You’ll be surprised just how much diversity there is on display in the events programme, so from classical to reggae, use the celebrations to find a new passion and meet new faces.
If you’re as excited about National Music Day as we are, make sure you start having a think about how you might like to celebrate. Here at Cost Cutters UK, we stock a fantastic range of music equipment that is perfect for use in schools and educational settings. Don’t hesitate to browse the full range and get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements.