Talented children entertain during Big Noise Govanhill concert

Different orchestras and ensembles from Big Noise Govanhill treated guests to renditions of Christmas classics, an arrangement of the traditional Liberian song ‘Banuwa’, and a special version of the George Ezra hit ‘Shotgun’ at Elim Church on Tuesday.

The event was also a chance to recognise the achievements of Big Noise as a whole, as the coming year marks significant birthdays for the music education and social change programme, which runs across Scotland.

Big Noise supports children and young people to gain vital life skills such as confidence, resilience, teamwork, creativity and aspiration.

The programme also aims to strengthen the amazing communities where it is based; developing relationships with participants and their families based on mutual respect, trust and a commitment to work together and tackle inequalities for the long term.

Big Noise Govanhill is delivered by the charity Sistema Scotland, which runs Big Noise programmes supporting around 3,500 children and young people across Scotland.

Ali Gornall, head of centre at Big Noise Govanhill, said: “The success of our winter concerts is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of the children and young people that take part.

“We are extremely proud of our participants and the progress that they have made in the past year, and this concert was the perfect way to showcase that to our community.

“We’d like to extend a special thanks to all the parents, carers, and families of our participants, and to the fantastic community in Govanhill for their continued support. We’d also like to thank our partner schools and nurseries, who make Big Noise possible.”

The Govanhill programme is delivered in partnership with local nursery, primary and secondary schools and is supported by a wide array of public and private funders, including players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government.

Nicola Killean, CEO of Sistema Scotland, added: “We are delighted to celebrate the end of another successful year for Big Noise Govanhill, and the rest of our Big Noise programmes around the country.

“For Big Noise Govanhill, the coming year is our tenth in the community – and this concert was the perfect occasion to get the birthday celebrations underway.

“Sistema Scotland is dedicated to improving lives and helping children and young people realise their potential.

“This would not be possible without our long-standing support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, whose commitment to Big Noise has allowed us to grow, innovate and strengthen the communities we work with.”