The Bandstand Marathon is a cultural event that began in 2008 and sees a range of free live music concerts take place simultaneously at
bandstands
A bandstand (sometimes music kiosk) is a circular, semicircular or polygonal structure set in a park, garden, pier, or indoor space, designed to accommodate musical bands performing concerts. A simple construction, it both creates an ornam ...
and other outdoor venues across the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
. In 2012 the Bandstand Marathon became an official part of the
Cultural Olympiad
An olympiad ( el, Ὀλυμπιάς, ''Olympiás'') is a period of four years, particularly those associated with the ancient and modern Olympic Games.
Although the ancient Olympics were established during Greece's Archaic Era, it was not until ...
and it was announced in September that it would be the official finale event of the
London 2012 Festival
The 2012 Cultural Olympiad was a programme of cultural events across the United Kingdom that accompanied the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2012 Summer Paralympics.
The Olympic Charter, the set of rules and guidelines for the organization of the Olym ...
. The 2012 Bandstand Marathon was officially endorsed by
Coldplay
Coldplay are a British rock band formed in London in 1997. They consist of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion and creative director Phil Harvey. They met at University Col ...
, who allowed participating bands to perform their song "
Viva La Vida
"Viva la Vida" (, ; ) is a song by British rock band Coldplay. It was written by all members of the band for their fourth album, ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' (2008). The lyrics to the song contain historical and Christian refe ...
" simultaneously across the country to tie in with their performance of the song at the
closing ceremony of the Paralympic games.
Background
The Bandstand Marathon is organized by
Taunton
Taunton () is the county town of Somerset, England, with a 2011 population of 69,570. Its thousand-year history includes a 10th-century monastic foundation, Taunton Castle, which later became a priory. The Normans built a castle owned by the ...
based arts organization
Superact. The event sees amateur musicians perform in their local communities at the same time on the same day, and is a celebration of the U.K's diverse musical talent. In 2012, Superact partnered with Making Music to put on the event on a larger scale than had been possible in previous years.
Past Events
2008-2011 Marathon
The Bandstand Marathon began in 2008 and was awarded the Inspire Mark to indicate it had been inspired by the spirit of the
London 2012
The 2012 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad and also known as London 2012) was an international multi-sport event held from 27 July to 12 August 2012 in London, England, United Kingdom. The first event, the ...
Olympic Games. The events varied in size and scope from year to year; 50 events took place in the South West in 2008, 120 events took place in 2009 and 70 occurred in 2010. On 25 September 2011 there were over 150 events across the U.K; 2011 was the first year when events took place in London.
2012 Marathon
The 2012 Bandstand Marathon saw events take place at 224 venues across the U.K on 9 September from 1.00pm until 5.00pm. Due to the event's ties with London 2012, one of the events took place at the bandstand in the
Olympic Park, London
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a sporting complex and public park in Stratford, Hackney Wick, Leyton and Bow, in east London. It was purpose-built for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, situated adjacent to the Stratford City develop ...
. The event was endorsed by
Coldplay
Coldplay are a British rock band formed in London in 1997. They consist of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion and creative director Phil Harvey. They met at University Col ...
, who gave their permission for participating bands to perform their 2008 single "
Viva La Vida
"Viva la Vida" (, ; ) is a song by British rock band Coldplay. It was written by all members of the band for their fourth album, ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' (2008). The lyrics to the song contain historical and Christian refe ...
" simultaneously across the country at 2.00pm.
[{{cite web , url=http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/news/articles/marathon-music-mark-the-end-the-london-2012-festival-and-the-games.html , title=Bands across the UK to perform Coldplay hit in closing event of the London 2012 Festival , date=7 September 2012 , work=Official site of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games , publisher=London 2012 , accessdate=5 October 2012 , archive-date=28 August 2012 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828225518/http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/news/articles/marathon-music-mark-the-end-the-london-2012-festival-and-the-games.html , url-status=dead ]
References
External links
Bandstand MarathonsuperactMaking MusicLondon 2012 Festival
Music festivals in the United Kingdom