Following the massive success of Bands on the Beacon a couple of weeks ago, the summer of great open-air music in Walsall continues today, Sunday July 14th 2013 with The Big Gig in Walsall Arboretum.

Again, this is a free event with some great bands, and echoes the brilliant concert that was The Bandstand Marathon last year.

Like last time, Aziz Ibrahim will also be playing, now a regular feature at Walsall live music events, and one of the best acts I’ve seen at local gigs. Do catch this guy, he’s brilliant. Also on will be Barry Hunt, Leafwing, West Midlands Police Brass Band (shouldn’t that be a copper band?) and an open mic session for the brave.

It’s all being organised by the wonderful Kate Goodall at Neighbourhood Services, who made such a fantastic job of the Bandstand Marathon. This gig is a must-see.

The fun starts at 12 noon and runs until 5pm.

The running order can be found here. There will be food and that all important ice cream, and this one looks like being another scorcher. For the little ones, there will be an Art and Activity afternoon in the Gallery Garden with lots of fun stuff to do from 1-4pm.

Following that, we have the much-anticipated Brownhills Music Festival in August. This is such a great summer for music.

Why not print a few out and pin them up on your local noticeboard?

Move over Glastonbury! Our Big Gig comes to Walsall Arboretum

Walsall’s premier park has been chosen to host Our Big Gig – one of 330 major music events around the country to showcase local talent and encourage more people to make music.

Our Big Gig runs from 11-14 July 2013 and Walsall Arboretum’s event has been set for Sunday 14 July from 12 noon until 5pm. This free event takes place in the refurbished bandstand.

The line-up boasts the West Midlands Police Brass band, Aziz, playing “Asian Blues”, local band Leafwing who’ll be performing classic rock covers and Barry Hunt, a local guitarist and singer/songwriter.

The event continues the feelgood factor experienced last summer through the 2012 Olympics as well as focusing on bringing people from all backgrounds together.

Funding has been secured from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and Arts Council England for free music events across the whole country which includes a Punk Rock Ukulele gig in London and a Roman Palace recital in Sussex. Walsall’s event is also supported by Lafarge Tarmac.

The combined attendance of all the events will be more than major music festivals such as Glastonbury.

Councillor Anthony Harris, portfolio holder for leisure and culture with Walsall Council Coalition, said: ‘Thousands joined us for last year’s hugely successful bandstand marathon at the arboretum and we hope Our Big Gig will be just as much of a crowd puller.

‘We’re always pleased to be able to offer residents and visitors of all ages a free day out in our beautiful Arboretum which has been beautifully restored. And we’re always keen to promote the local musical talent we have in this borough.’

‘We would like to build up a programme of live music and other events in Walsall Arboretum and would welcome any input from community groups or organisations that would be interested in doing so.’

‘In the spirit of encouraging people to make music, there will also be an open mic session and an opportunity to jam with Aziz.’

Also in the Arboretum on 14 July, the Walsall Arboretum User Group are hosting an Art and Activity afternoon in the Garden Gallery (off Lichfield Street) from 1pm – 4pm. There will be children’s art and craft sessions, willow weaving, children’s cake decorating and an opportunity to see artists at work.

For more information, call 01922 654619, email neighbourhoods@walsall.gov.uk or tweet to @walsall_nhoods