What is Make Music Day, and how can you get involved?

Make Music Day was started in 1981 by Maurice Fleuret, director of music and dance and the French Ministry of Culture. He said: 'Music will be everywhere and the concert will be nowhere', sparking discussions as to how every musician in France could be involved in a day of music making. 

France's Ministry of Culture imagined a popular event that would allow musicians to express themselves and make themselves known - and so, the 'Fête de la Musique’ was launched on 21 June 1982.

Thousands of initiatives took place throughout France, which musicians taking to streets, squares, kiosks, courtyards, gardens, train stations, and squares. 

The successful event became a cultural policy that celebrated the musical practice of amateurs.

By the early 1990s, the Fête de la Musique was celebrated in 85 countries across five continents. Sometimes called Music Day, World Music Day or Make Music Day (as here in the UK), it takes place on the same day worldwide, 21 June.

Musicians, promoters, and venues can all get involved by organising gigs on doorsteps, balconies, rooftops; livestreams from sitting rooms, town squares, street corners, pubs and cafes. 

You can list your event here. 

View the list of events taking place today here.