The Big Guitar-In Fundraiser returns to Liverpool this Christmas

Hundreds of guitarists will come together at Mountford Hall on Thursday 11 December as The Big Guitar-In Fundraiser returns, aiming to set a new record and raise vital funds to save community classes at The Florrie.

Last year’s record saw 602 guitarists perform together. This year, organisers are preparing for 603 players to take to the stage, including GCSE student Olga Fitz, who will be the youngest performer on the night.

Many taking part first picked up their instruments at The Florrie’s long-running weekly guitar classes led by the Tea Street Band’s Timo Tierney.

The event is now in its fifth year and will showcase some of Liverpool’s rising talent including Louis Gibney, Credits and The Sway, alongside well-known names such as Space, Crowded Scouse and Brian Nash from Frankie Goes to Hollywood. More guests will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

Olga first performed at The Florrie at the age of 12 during an open mic night, quickly becoming a popular part of the venue’s growing community. She went on to complete her work experience there last summer, gaining insight into the work involved in keeping community activities alive.

Timo Tierney, The Florrie’s community hub co-ordinator, said: “This year we’re especially proud to give young Liverpool artists the chance to shine on a stage with so much history. Olga is unbelievably talented and keeps getting better. She’s doing her GCSEs and has the world at her feet. It’s a privilege to be part of her journey.”

The fundraiser plays an essential role in helping The Florrie continue offering free community classes. Rising costs, fewer grants and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have put pressure on the services, which support people across the region with skills development, social activities and wellbeing.

For the first time, The Big Guitar-In is taking over Mountford Hall, a venue that has hosted legends including Queen, The Who and Liverpool’s own Elvis Costello. The 603 guitarists will take to the same stage, with chord sheets available on The Florrie’s website for anyone wanting to practise ahead of the night.

The event is open to everyone, from experienced musicians to beginners learning their first chords. The Florrie Guitar Group meets every Tuesday at 6pm, and new members are welcome to join ahead of the event.

Tickets for guitarists and a limited number of spectators are available now, with early bird tickets already sold out and the remaining allocation selling fast.

Get your tickets here.

Check out how to keep classes at The Florrie free.

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