Almost 500 children and young people joined us over the summer at our six centres across Scotland to take part in music lessons alongside a wide range of activities, which gave children and young people a safe and social space to spend the summer, enabling and parents and carers to work or study over the holidays.
Big Noise participants also enjoyed 4,500 free healthy meals and snacks over the summer. All holiday clubs and residential visits within the Big Noise programme are completely free for all participants.
On top of their usual musical practice and performances, additional activities included sports, drama, arts and crafts, gardening and quizzes, as well as trips to local landmarks.
Big Noise Govanhill worked with Queens Park Football Club, Independent Arts, The Sound Lab, and The National Galleries of Scotland, who provided games sessions - including an end of summer sports day - an intergenerational arts project, DJ classes, and a photography project.
Community café, Milk, also hosted the Big Noise Govanhill Little Noise programme during the summer.
Alongside the daily holiday clubs, Big Noise Torry, in Aberdeen, took part in a National Youth Orchestra of Scotland training academy and a trip to the Reaper ship at the Port of Aberdeen for the city’s Festival of the Sea, while Big Noise Douglas, in Dundee, went on a bowling trip and to Active Kids Adventure Park in Stanley, Perthshire.
Big Noise Raploch and Fallin worked closely with Active Stirling and St Marks to provide a full day of activities for children and families.
Paul Sullivan, Director of Children, Young People and Communities at Sistema Scotland, said:
“We know that the school holidays are a difficult time for families who are finding it hard to make ends meet and to juggle work or study with making sure your child is safe, supported and able to have fun and socialise during the summer.
High-quality and free activities during the summer break mean that parents and carers are able to work or study without the worry of paying for someone to look after their children or taking time off work.
It’s also a fantastic opportunity for children and young people who take part in our programmes to have fun, make friends, and try new things, further boosting their confidence and happiness.
We are hugely grateful to all our staff team, volunteers and partners who work together to the children and young people such amazing experiences.”
Jenny Desouza is a full-time student and yoga teacher. Her daughter, Enora, went to Big Noise Torry throughout the summer. She said:
“Enora has been at Big Noise for a year. She loves going and making friends, and is learning the violin and piano.
Being able to go every day was amazing. It was absolutely wonderful knowing she was doing high quality fun activities and not worrying about her being on an iPad or watching TV.
I could study, work and go for walks while she was there. It was wonderful for her and for us as a family.
Big Noise is so accepting and welcoming. They do a wonderful job with the children, helping them to listen and learn and make friends.”
