Glasgow-based music charity The Sound Lab has announced the return of “Music Makes Glasgow”, a one-day festival raising funds for free music education for young people in the city.
This fun-filled, family-friendly event will take place on Sunday 4 October at Drygate, featuring live music, DJ and steelpan workshops and a raffle- where one lucky winner will walk away with a guitar signed by Paolo Nutini.
Providing free music lessons and instrument loans, The Sound Lab support children and young people with lived experience of: the care system; disability; displacement and deprivation — groups facing the greatest barriers to creative participation.
Via tuition, live performance, recording and broadcasting opportunities, The Sound Lab works to break down barriers, making sure everyone has the chance to enjoy, and contribute to cultural life in the city. “Music Makes Glasgow” is an opportunity to celebrate the charity’s work in the community and to ensure that that work can continue.
The next generation of young musicians will have the chance to perform onstage alongside established professionals, showcasing what they’ve learned.
This year will be hosted by up-and-coming Glasgow comedian Ifrah Qureshi, fresh from her debut Fringe run at the Stand. Riding high off the back of her performance at Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling, they’re also joined by Alice Faye (BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2026, SAY Award Spirit of Young Scotland winner), plus Sound Lab tutors Kitti and Paque.
DJ student Mirin reflected on the support the charity has provided saying: “People like myself, are disadvantaged, have been in care, don’t have, like, parental funds and support – I think a lot of those children get left behind. Not to sound like a pure sob story, but it’s true. I think if it wasn’t for yourselves I wouldn’t have had access to a lot of the things that I have done, wouldn’t have had the opportunities.”
Tickets for “Music Makes Glasgow” are on sale now, with prices at £16 for adults and £5 for children. Raffle tickets start at £10. There’s also a £25 Super Supporter ticket which includes a free tote bag and raffle ticket.