Free Meals and Music Lessons: Big Noise Govanhill Supports 100 Local Children Over the Summer
Big Noise Govanhill’s free summer holiday club provided nearly 1,000 meals and fun, educational activities for local children, supporting families through music education, social projects, and essential care during the longest school break.
By Devon McCole | Photos by Eoin Carey
Big Noise, a community programme dedicated to social change through music, provided almost 1,000 meals and healthy snacks to children in the area over the summer. The organisation’s free summer holiday club, which saw more than 100 young participants, aimed to give school kids safe, social spaces to socialise and participate in high-quality activities during the school break, while easing the pressure on parents juggling work or study.
Throughout the summer, local children enjoyed a wide range of activities, including music lessons, sports days, DJ workshops, photography projects, and more. These events were made possible through partnerships with other local organisations like Queens Park Football Club, Independent Arts, The Sound Lab, and The National Galleries of Scotland. In addition to these educational sessions, older children were treated to outings such as trips to the Flip Out trampolining centre in Rutherglen, while younger participants enjoyed the Little Noise programme, held at Milk community café.
Sistema Scotland’s Director of Children, Young People and Communities, Paul Sullivan, highlighted the importance of providing structured, enriching activities during the holidays. “We know that the school holidays are a difficult time for families who are finding it hard to make ends meet and to juggle work or study with making sure your child is safe, supported and able to have fun and socialise during the summer, high-quality and free activities during the summer break mean that parents and carers are able to work or study without the worry of paying for someone to look after their children or taking time off work.”
Beyond its recreational benefits, the main aim of the summer holiday club is to address poverty and inequality in Govanhill, offering support to parents by providing a safe environment for their children to learn and play. This initiative aligns with Big Noise Govanhill’s broader mission to support children's wellbeing through long-term engagement with music and nurturing relationships.
One of the highlights of the summer was the participation of high school-aged children in Sistema’s first national symphony orchestra, Big Noise United Orchestra. This new initiative saw young people from the charity’s six centres across Scotland perform together for the first time, then performing in a national concert. Participants were also invited to a free residential, helping them develop their musical abilities while boosting their confidence and fostering friendships.
Big Noise Govanhill’s summer programme was supported by a range of public and private funders, including the Scottish Government and players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. The charity’s work is also bolstered by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community partners who are committed to addressing inequalities and providing life-changing experiences for children in the area.
Reflecting on the success of the holiday club, Sullivan expressed gratitude to everyone involved. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for children and young people who take part in our programmes to have fun, make friends, and try new things, further boosting their confidence and happiness,” he said. “We are hugely grateful to all our staff team, volunteers, and partners who work together to give the children and young people such amazing experiences.”
By blending music, community support, and essential care, Big Noise Govanhill’s summer holiday programme continues to be a lifeline for local families, providing both practical help and joyful, enriching experiences for the children who take part.
Where to access free meals or affordable food:
Milk Community Café: Free Community Meal
When: Every Tuesday evening, from 6-7:30pm
More info: Enjoy a FREE hot meal, you can sit in or takeaway your meal.
GAS Fortnightly Drop-in meal: Free Community Meal
When: Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm (This month’s meals: October 27 & October 31)
Where: Glasgow Autonomous Space, Unit 9 Hollybrook St, G42.
More info: Serves vegan, gluten free and nut free foods.
Taste Buddies: Community Meal
When: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of the month, from 10am-12pm
Where: The Larkfield Community Centre, 39 Inglefield Street, G42 7AY.
More info: Taste Buddies serve fresh vegetables and produce donated by Aldi and Lidl.
Glasgow Govanhill Food Not Bombs: Free Food Stall
When: The Free Food Stall will return to Govanhill on September 14, serving free food every Saturday at lunchtime.
Where: The corner of Dixon Ave and Victoria Road, Saturday lunchtime.
More info: To stay informed follow them on Instagram @glasgowfoodnotbombs or like their Facebook page of the same name.
The People’s Pantry: Membership-led affordable food shopping from £4-£6
When: Open Monday-Friday at varying times.
Where: 488 Cathcart Road, G42 7BX
More info: The people’s Pantry have a waiting list for those who need to use their services. If you would like to join their list email them at peoplespantry@govanhillbaths.com,call them 0141 433 2999, or visit them in-store.