Introducing the Big Mix Festival
This year the Big Mix Festival will be bigger than ever and takes place over the whole of the first weekend in June, with acts performing in some of East London’s most iconic venues. You’ll get access to see some of the best bands, DJ sets, comedy acts and be able to immerse yourself in a melting pot of cultures.
Image courtesy of Eva Rinaldi
All proceeds raised go to Macmillan Cancer Support which supports cancer patients and their families by providing practical, emotional and financial support. So you’ll be having a good time while helping a very good cause.
What’s on and where?
Six of the best venues in London’s East End are hosting events: Rich Mix, Drunken Monkey, The Book Club, Queen of Hoxton, Hoxton Hall and BOXPARK. Live musical acts include singer/songwriter Tom McRae who is supported by Time Out’s ‘ One to Watch 2013’ Nadine Shah (operatic vocals accompanied by lilting piano music) and Drop Out Venus (described once as ‘three rock and rolled kids playing punk jazz’).
If you’ve never been to a Cabaret before then the one being hosted by The Book Club on the Sunday will give you a full-on introduction to this varied and quirky world. Burlesque dancing, fire-eating, close up magic and singing are just some of the acts that make up this fabulous show.
Sharp- talking American comedian Scott Capurro, known for his provocative humour and acerbic wit, has been announced as the headline comedy act. You’ll also find an East End Treasure Hunt (puzzle solving and clue solving in alleys and alehouses), musical bingo and Soho Shorts, a screening of short films. Check out the Big Mix official website for the full line up details.
Tickets
This year there are loads of ticket options. The Golden Weekend ticket costs £25 and gives you access to all venues and events over the whole weekend or you can buy a Sunday only ticket for £15. New this year is the option to see a special Big Mix stand- alone show and tickets can be bought individually for these one-off events.
Whatever you decide you’ll know you’re helping Macmillan with their charity fundraising efforts. You’ll also get 10% discount off at BOXPARK, the world’s first pop-up mall, by showing your ticket wristband. At BOXPARK you’ll find street food, market stalls, cafes and live music.
The Big Mix prize draw
You can also enter the Big Mix prize draw to help raise even more funds and be in with the chance to win a first prize with a difference: two places volunteering on The Great Project’s award winning Great Orangutan Project at the Matang Wildlife Centre in Malaysian Borneo, including flights and accommodation.
If that sounds a bit too adventurous, there are many other prizes including meal vouchers and an IPAD 2. The winning draw will be take place at the festival so be sure to be there in case you’re a prize winner.
About the author: Catherine Halsey is a blogger who writes about a broad range of topics. Particular interests lie in the third sector and the ways in which social media can be used to engage their followers and raise awareness about campaigns.
