Jon Snow and David Walliams help Camden hit the right note
Jon Snow and David Walliams have given their backing to Camden’s bid to become the first London Borough of Culture.
From punk to indie and Amy, Camden has always danced to its own beat. A musical mecca and home to iconic venues such as the Roundhouse, KOKO and the Electric Ballroom, Camden has long nurtured creativity, creating the perfect space for young people to shine.
Twice a year young people take to the Royal Albert Hall for ensemble music performances as part of the Schools Music Festival. Channel 4’s Jon Snow is the festival’s compere and is lending his support to our culture bid so that Camden can continue offering incredible opportunities for young people. He said:
"I am proud to support Camden’s bid not only because of the dazzling array of cultural organisations in the borough but because Camden is committed to involving young people in high quality arts activities. For my part, I have the great honour to compere Camden’s bi-annual Schools Music Festival that fills London’s Royal Albert Hall. This stunning event brings together every school in the borough and involves a choir of 2000 young people accompanied by 300 young orchestral players, drummers and more. Just one of many inspirational and inclusive performances that take place throughout each year, this festival alone speaks to the incredible spirit and vibrancy of music and the arts in our borough."
Camden Music Trust is a charity that offers musical opportunities to local children, regardless of their ability to pay. The Trust raises funds for Saturday music centres, music scholarships for disadvantaged children and special events for children with Special Educational Needs. David Walliams is a patron of the charity and said:
"As a Camden resident, I am well aware of the borough’s rich cultural life but I’m particularly interested in opportunities available to young people. For several years it has been my privilege to be patron of the Camden Music Trust, a charity that supports Camden’s Music Service. Every week this exemplary service works with thousands of young people, in Camden schools as well as in other community venues. Performances I have attended show just what is possible when everyone works together to allow children from all backgrounds to shine. With the support of Camden Council and the Trust the experiences given to young people are unique and of incalculable value. I am convinced that Camden richly deserves the title of London Borough of Culture and I am right behind their bid."
Young people are vital to Camden’s inclusive culture, helping the borough remain at the cutting edge of the arts. We hope to continue to provide opportunities for young people to tune in and get involved, whatever their ability or background. Councillor Jonathan Simpson said:
"We are delighted to have so many people backing our bid to be London’s first borough of culture. Camden has a long tradition of offering the brightest creative minds everything they need to meet their potential. That we can continue to offer these opportunities is key to future of the arts in Camden and beyond"
The Mayor of London will decide whether Camden’s pitch has hit the right note in February. If successful Camden will receive a grant of £1.1million to be spent on a year of arts and cultural celebrations for local residents and visitors alike.
You can show your support for the bid by joining in on social media by tweeting @camdentalking using the hashtag #CamdenIsCulture.