News

Newton Faulkner joins The Big Mix line-up!

Brit-nominated acoustic guitar hero Newton Faulkner is the latest star to grace the line-up at The Big Mix in Shoreditch on Saturday 18 June.

The flame haired dread-head will be wowing crowds with his folk genius and spell-binding hits such as ‘Dream Catch Me’- the likes of which helped bag him the UK number one album slot with his debut Hand Built by Robots.

Newton said: “I’m really looking forward to performing at Macmillan’s Big Mix – I’m hoping to have a surprise guest join to me too. It’s going to be excellent. Get your tickets, support this great charity, and I’ll see you there!”

Be sure to catch Newton and his special mystery guest on June 18th!  Get your tickets now for just £20.

First list of names announced for The Big Mix!!

We’ve announced our first names for The Big Mix!  Hurry and get your early bird tickets for just £15 now!

First lady of festivals and BBC Radio 1 DJ Edith Bowman will be gracing the decks on the night, playing her pick of the latest and greatest from the world of indie and alternative music.

Edith, a long time supporter of Macmillan said: “I love how Macmillan have put the Big Mix together – they’ve got everything in there from folk artists and acoustic performances  to late night DJ sets; comedy acts to burlesque. Sounds like the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday in London if you ask me – I can’t wait.”

UK’s hottest singer songwriter Clare Maguire, tipped as the voice of 2011, will be belting out an acoustic set that is destined to be the soundtrack of the summer festival season. Catch her here first.

Over from LA, Charlatans front man Tim Burgess, will be showcasing his musical pedigree with a rare live UK DJ set. Having previously played launch parties for the likes of the Chemical Brothers, Burgess’s performance is not to be missed.

Also storming at The Big Mix, which kicks off at midday, will be Sam Hardaker from Grammy nominated electronic duo Zero 7 with a DJ set; folk rockin’ Treetop Flyers ahead of their Glastonbury debut; PPQ’s Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker (DJ Set); Manchester’s answer to the Gorillaz, Kid British, and the infectious electronic-pop quartet that is Friends Electric, amongst a host of others.

XFM’s new music legend John Kennedy is a patron of the event, alongside music-loving actor Rupert Grint, giving their seal of approval to other live acts including: Spycatcher; Town; Yunioshi; New Town Kings; I Am Harlequin.

If comedy’s your bag, there’ll be two dedicated comedy venues at The Big Mix featuring the likes of: Steve Hughes, thrash metal drummer who crossed the fine line into anarchistic comedy; Robert White, who took away the award for comic originality at the Edinburgh Festival and Helen Arney: “Champion of musical whims”.

And for those with a short attention span, why not enjoy a spot of hip hop karaoke, check out the art and photography exhibitions or have your likeness taken in the Mighty Booth pod? Ever fancied learning to swing dance? Now’s your chance. Or why not marvel at the cabaret shows or pick up some vintage – or new – threads designed by some of Britain’s best new fashion talent.

We’re super excited and this is just the beginning! Watch this space for more announcements soon…

Win tickets to The Big Mix and to Bestival!

Fancy yourself as a budding Michael Eavis? Want to get experience of putting on your own event and making a difference while you’re at it?

Macmillan is offering you the perfect opportunity. For the last two years, we’ve hosted the metropolitan music festival The Big Mix, which showcases the best up and coming artists – but we want to give everyone a turn at being an impresario for the night.

Macmillan are inviting you to put your planning skills where your passion is and hold your own ‘Mini Mix’ event – gig, comedy night, fashion show, pub quiz… it’s your shout!  There’ll be plenty of support along the way with a step-by-step fundraising pack, industry professionals on hand, and an online community to swap tips and ideas.

Mini Mix hosts who raise the most money are in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to Bestival or one of five pairs of tickets to The Big Mix in London.

Volunteers can put on an event anytime from now until Sunday 12 June.  Find out more about putting on a Mini Mix and register for your starter pack. 

All money raised goes to help Macmillan continue to provide vital services which help make a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.

Macmillan’s Music Festival is back and it’s even bigger and better…

As well as music, this year we are throwing comedy, fashion, art and cabaret into the mix. Join us on Saturday 18 June for the hottest metropolitan festival of 2011!

Thousands of music fans and culture vultures will take to the streets of east London to enjoy The Big Mix, where a variety of acts will perform across venues all over Shoreditch including Cargo, The Brickhouse, Rich Mix, Spitalfields, Vibe and many more. There will be something for everybody to enjoy and the fun will run from midday till late.

The Big Mix, previously known as The Brick Lane Takeover, has in the past featured acts like Johnny Flynn, Noel Fielding, Kill It Kid and Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip. This year’s line up will be announced over the coming weeks so watch this space, and sign up to our Facebook and Twitter to be the first to hear more!

Early bird tickets are now on sale for a limited time only for just £15. Buy now!

Big news for 2011′s new festival

The wheels are now in motion for Macmillan’s 2011 festival. We are all getting pretty excited here and this year it is going to be huge. It’s the BLT but bigger and better as we throw comedy, fashion, cabaret and art into the mix. This year it’s all about Saturday too, for more acts, more venues and a bigger party! There will be a lot more information coming soon so keep your eyes peeled…

See you at the Brick Lane Takeover!

The day is finally here! We look forward to seeing you down on Brick Lane. For anyone who has still to buy tickets, they are available at Spitalfields Market and on the door at The Brickhouse, Cargo, 93 Feet East and Vibe. See you there!

It’s nearly time for the takeover!

We have an incredible line up of bands and DJs for you tomorrow. Sadly Eliza Doolittle had to pull out due to commitments abroad but we have two amazing last minute additions joining the bill – 17 year old future pop sensation Rachel Furner who will also be playing at several major UK festivals this year. We also have a secret headline act who will be taking centre stage at Cargo! Rumours have the artist in question could be up for this year’s Mercury award…

There’s lots of excitement to look forward to on the day at Spitalfields Market. As well as acoustic performances, there will also be a hog roast, cake stall and the opportunity to get a free Benefit ‘festival’ makeover! And don’t miss our Get Your Jig On competition finalists battle it out in the live dance-off at 7pm followed by a ‘Dad Dancing’ session and dance-along with Dad Dancing expert Dr Peter Lovatt.

First Acts for 2010 Announced!

The Brick Lane Takeover (BLT) is back and with XFM supporting the event, Xposure DJ John Kennedy curating and a fantastic line up of bands, it is set to be even bigger and better this year.

Kill It Kid are set to captivate the crowds with their style of blistering rock’n’roll in one moment and smoky film-noire ambience in the next. Cosmo Jarvis, with his blend of funk/rock/russian/pop and ska, and the experimental Three Trapped Tigers will also be performing along with many more.

BBC 6 Music’s George Lamb said, “I noticed the Brick Lane Takeover last year as it had an impressive line up, so I’m definitely going to try and get down there. I just think it’s great that Macmillan is doing something like the BLT – not only to make money, but to raise awareness of their incredible work amongst a younger audience. It’s all good.”