28 May - Albert Park to host Bandstand Marathon

Local musicians from Middlesbrough will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in the largest closing cultural event of London 2012

Local musicians from Middlesbrough will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in the largest closing cultural event of London 2012 on Sunday, September 9 thanks to Middlesbrough Council. Musical performances held at the Albert Park Bandstand will be one of hundreds of outdoor, community concerts taking place simultaneously across the country, making up the Bandstand Marathon.

Music of all types is welcomed. Bands, groups, choirs & individual musicians are being sought to perform, helping to make the Bandstand Marathon truly memorable and create a cultural legacy for others.

Councillor Brenda Thompson, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Public Health and Sport, said: "There's a real sense of excitement now as the momentum gathers for London 2012. Middlesbrough's on the Torch Relay route and hosting an Evening Celebration event, so we're fully involved in the build-up to the Games themselves. It's great to have confirmation that we're also involved in the Bandstand Marathon as part of the cultural closing event. This will be a fantastic event in the wonderful historic setting of Albert Park, and I'm sure local bands and musicians will put on a show to remember."

There is also the opportunity for one band to have the responsibility of programming a Bandstand Marathon event for which full support & training will be given by not-for-profit arts organisation Superact and Making Music, the UK's leading organisation for voluntary music. This will give valuable experience and skills for a band or groups own future development.

Katharine Lane, Superact's Associate Director, explains: "It's not only bands who can apply for the Event Programmer role; we are welcoming interest from community groups such as Friends of the Park, not for profit organisations, charities etc. so that everyone can be part of this wonderful celebration."

Bandstand Marathon is part of the London 2012 Festival, a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration from 21 June and running until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK.

For more details about getting involved, please call the Bandstand Marathon team at Superact on 01823 332413 or visit the website www.bandstandmarathon.org.uk