DOZENS of Scottish artists will unite this weekend in a ten-hour streaming concert for charity.

The Stream4Scotland event kicks off tomorrow afternoon and runs into the wee hours on Sunday morning.

Almost 50 acts have signed up for the extravaganza, which will raise vital funds for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins and Glasgow based PPE charity ViseUp.

Earlier this week, Amy Macdonald was confirmed, along with the likes of Bow Anderson, Cameron Barnes, HYYTS, James Smith, Single by Sunday and Tide Lines.

They will join Twin Atlantic, Be Charlotte, Dougie MacLean, The Fratellis, Kyle Falconer, Luke La Volpe, The Snuts and Wet Wet Wet, who were all announced previously.

The line-up also includes Aaron Smith, Anchor Lane, Baby Strange, Cairn String Quartet, Cara Rose, Clare Grogan, Club Sabbath special DJ set, Cold Years, Colonel Mustard & the Dijon 5, Declan Welsh, Graeme Park, Gun, Harri, Hipsway, Honeyblood, Horse McDonald, JG Wilkes (Optimo), kitti, Lucia + The Best Boys, Luke La Volpe, Luna The Professor, Neon Waltz, Peat & Diesel, Rascalton, Spyres, Stephanie Cheape, Stevie Cox, The Bluebells, The LaFontaines, The Roly Mo, The Van T’s, VanIves, and Wuh Oh!

Stream4Scotland kicks off at from 3pm on Saturday, May 30, and is hosted live by Ally McCrae and Garry Spence. 

Before hosting the night-time takeover, SWG3 will also feature a live graffiti production during the fundraising stream, in the venue’s Yard. Using spray paint and equipment donated by Montana Cans UK & Global Arts Supplies, nine artists will paint over 300ft of wall with one wall featuring a futuristic scene and the other a medieval scene. Tune in to see the epic creation by Barry The Kat, Guzler, Sapien, Scent, King-Listy, Mark Worst, Rogue, Smug and Gazmac. 
 

About the charities

Nordoff Robbins is the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK, dedicated to enriching the lives of people affected by life-limiting illness, isolation or disability.

The charity, who has benefitted from the longstanding support of the Scottish music industry through their annual Scottish Music Awards event, is determined to unite people through the power of music, as now more than ever people need to feel a sense of community.  

Nordoff Robbins has, unfortunately, had to temporarily stop all face-to-face music therapy sessions to protect the health of those they work with and that of their music therapists.

Due to the current challenges, it has been estimated that the cancellation or postponement of fundraising events and activities will result in a loss of around 75% in the charity’s fundraising income for 2020.

Despite this, Nordoff Robbins are still working to support people and help with social isolation and the charity have developed other forms of therapy through the likes of online music therapy delivery, virtual online choirs plus creating digital resources for people to continue to make music together in their home.

Music therapy is a lifeline for the vulnerable people Nordoff Robbins support, especially as they are being more severely impacted by the lockdown in place.

Donald MacLeod, chairman of Nordoff Robbins fundraising committee, said: “We are delighted to have so many outstanding Scottish artists taking part in Stream4Scotland this weekend to provide some much-needed entertainment during these uncertain times.

"Nordoff Robbins has established such a strong relationship with the Scottish music industry over the past 20 years, and the charity truly can’t thank everyone enough for their support. Now more than ever, people need to feel a sense of community and we can’t wait to join together with our friends at ViseUp to raise vital funds, but also see some incredible performances from Scotland’s stars.”

Those looking to show support for Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy can donate directly here. 

ViseUp was set up in March 2020 in response to the urgent demand for PPE from key workers at the frontline of the COVID emergency.

Although protective equipment is starting to reach those at the epicentre of the crisis, there are still significant numbers of healthcare workers whose PPE needs are not yet being met. As long as the crisis lasts, ViseUp will continue its fundraising efforts, channelling all funds towards materials, production and distribution of visors for NHS and healthcare workers across the country.

It costs £2 to make one visor and ViseUp makes and distributes over 20,000 visors per week. Deliveries are made the length and breadth of Scotland: from Glasgow Royal Infirmary to Ninewell’s Hospital in Dundee, from Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway to the RAH in Paisley.

ViseUp is a collaboration of businesses, schools and organisations around Scotland: The Innovation School at Kelvinside, SWG3, Loft Office, Badaboom, Clydeside Distillery, Hydro-C, City of Glasgow College, Intelligent Façade Engineering, Glasgow School of Art, NHS Scotland, Rock DCM, Urban Office Architects, Peter Drummond Architects, Larbert High School, Butler Valves and more.

Those wishing to show support for ViseUp can donate here.

Viewers can tune into the live stream on Saturday, May 30, from 3pm, by visiting www.stream4scotland.co.uk or the Gigs in Scotland Facebook page.