Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Jasmine Gardosi will spend time with Jez Collins from the Birmingham Music Archive to explore and be inspired by Birmingham’s rich musical heritage.

Brum Rocks, from Misfits Music, is an opportunity for hundreds of amateur musicians and singers and all rockstar wannabes to come together for a once-in-a-lifetime rock concert at Forum Birmingham this summer. No musical experience is required, budding rockstars just need to bring their voice and their instrument.

Jasmine Gardosi, Birmingham Poet Laureate and musician said: “What an honour to be creating a new song for the city that will be sung and played by the people of Birmingham themselves. Working with Jez and the Birmingham Music Archive I know I will find inspiration from the city’s musical heritage and I hope I can create something that reflects the city, and its people, today.”

Rob Jones, Artistic Director, Misfits Music Foundation said: “We are so excited and delighted that we’ve been able to commission Jasmine to write a special Brum Rocks song for our concert this summer. It’s a real honour to be working with an award-winning poet and writer, and one so connected to Birmingham, we can’t wait to hear what she creates and to be performing it later this year alongside hundreds of Brum’s singers and musicians.”

As part of the funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Misfits Music Foundation Rock Collective participants who take part in Brum Rocks will also have the opportunity to work with a songwriting facilitator to create their own songs.

The Brum Rocks Live concert will take place at Forum Birmingham on 14th July 2024. Tickets will go on sale soon – watch the Brum Rocks website for announcements – budding rock stars will then be able to book their tickets securing their place for the rock concert experience of the year – which will see them take centre stage – ticket pricing will include a ‘pay what you can’ option.

Those keen to get some practice and experience playing and singing alongside others in advance of the concert can participate in free Brum Rocks workshops, funded through the National Lottery Community Fund People’s Project, taking place at venues across Birmingham and the Black Country in the run up to the event OR check out the online tutorials via social media, information on workshops can be found at brumrocks.com.