Live At The Seagull - DAVE MCPHERSON - Tickets available now!

Our goal is to provide a platform for up-and-coming artists, to showcase established local acts, and to bring new and exciting music events to our area. We believe in the transformative power of music, and aim to use it as a tool to bring people together, to reduce deprivation and to improve the quality of life for all those in the Lowestoft area. By providing a supportive network of musicians, hosting workshops and open mic nights, and producing events that reflect the diversity of our community, we aim to create a thriving and sustainable music scene in Lowestoft.

Decline in music education: 

• UK Music research study found a 24.5% decline in school-based music education for students aged 15-18, due to funding cuts and curriculum priorities.
• Heart of the School study showed 68% of primary school teachers and 39% of secondary school teachers reported a reduction in music provision due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 10% of primary and secondary schools don't teach music at all, and some lessons had "no practical music making"
• 38% of primary schools stopped singing and 23% ceased instrumental lessons.
• 72% of UK primaries and 66% of secondaries discontinued extracurricular musical activities.

Deprivation in Lowestoft:

• 20% of Lowestoft residents live in the 25% most deprived areas in England. 
• 15% have no qualifications and 19% have qualifications at NVQ level 4 or above (below the Suffolk average of 27%)
• Area around London Road South and Marine Parade is ranked 25th out of 32,844 neighbourhoods in England for high levels of deprivation.
• Higher levels of multiple deprivation and education, skills, and training deprivation than any other area in Suffolk.
• Lower than average percentage of 16-74 year olds who are economically active in Lowestoft.
• Four wards in Lowestoft have over 10% of population receiving income support.
• 56% of the population do not have a qualification at level 2 or above.

• Running Open Mic Nights and independent gigs at The Stanford Arms and East Point Pavilion (the latter in conjunction with First Light CIC)
• Establishing band showcase nights at the Seagull Theatre, acoustic showcase Sundays at The Mariners' Rest, and planning a multi-day music festival at The Grit Arts and Heritage Centre.
• Our longer term plans include providing funding for dedicated rehearsal spaces for local acts, tuition/mentorship of younger, more inexperienced acts, and liaising with venues in funding support slots for original acts and subsidising refreshments costs on evenings where cover bands are prevalent with an aim to supporting and encouraging creativity, ultimately allowing the profile of original music in the Lowestoft area to grow.