Big Gig 2025
Saturday 27th September
It’s back. Our biggest student event of the year.
Live music, real stage, proper sound, and a crowd full of energy.
A New Venue
This year we’re taking over Soul Mama - a great music venue just down the road from the guitar school, with serious sound and some of the best flavour-packed African, Caribbean and South American dishes around.
Friends and family are invited to come down, hang out, and cheer you on.
Supporting a Good Cause
70% of proceeds from ticket sales will go to The Sick Children’s Trust - a charity that provides support and accommodation for families with seriously ill children in hospital.
They helped our founders, Darryl and Jen, when their son was in intensive care at just one year old, giving them a place to stay, free of charge, close to the hospital so they could be there for him every day.
Tickets
Adults (18+)
£12.50
Kids (3+)
£8
Under 2's
Free
70% of proceeds from ticket sales go to The Sick Children’s Trust
FAQs
Where is The Big Gig 2025?
The gig is at Soul Mama, a live music venue in East Village, Stratford.
Address:
Gantry Hotel
40 Celebration Ave, East Village,
Stratford, London, E20 1DB
It’s a very short walk down the road from the guitar school and close to Stratford International and Stratford stations.
What time does it start and finish?
Doors open at 11:30am, and performances start at 12pm. The event will run through the afternoon.
Please arrive early to make sure you get a seat!
Will there be food and drink?
View the Soul Mama menuYes 0 food and drink will be available to buy at the venue throughout the event. Soul Mama serves bold, flavour-packed African, Caribbean and South American dishes, plus drinks from the bar.
Can I bring friends and family?
Of course! It’s a chilled, family-friendly gig. Come along and enjoy the music, support our performers, and help raise money for a brilliant cause!
Can I make an extra donation to The Sick Children’s Trust?
Make a DonationYes - if you’d like to contribute a bit more to The Sick Children’s Trust, just click the link below.
Every bit helps, and it goes to a brilliant cause. Thank you so much for your support.
Getting Here
If possible, we'd recommend using public transport to get to the venue. There are lots of transport options...
Train Stations
- Stratford Station (5 min walk)
- Stratford International DLR (>1 min walk)
Bus Routes
97, 108, 308, 339
Parking
If you do need to drive, paid parking is available at Stratford International Station Car Park and at Westfield.
Is the event accessible?
Yes - Soul Mama is fully accessible, featuring its own dedicated ramp for wheelchair access. An accessible restroom is available on the ground floor and seating is available throughout the venue.
If you have specific access needs, let us know and we’ll do our best to help.
Want to take part?
If you’re a student with us and want to play at the Big Gig 2025, applications are now open!
You’ll get to choose a song, rehearse it with your teacher, and then step on stage with a live professional session band - in a real music venue, with full sound, lighting and video.
There’s a fee to take part, which helps cover the cost of running the event.
There are two packages to choose from...
Standard Package
For students who feel ready with a bit of guidance.
- Your stage slot
- Rehearsal with the teachers
- A short rehearsal with the backing band
- Professional photos & video of your performance
- 2 free audience tickets
£127
VIP Package
For students who want more time with the band to feel fully prepared.
Includes everything in the Standard package, plus:
- An additional extended rehearsal with the session band for an extra confidence boost before the big day