Mencap's Little Noise Sessions make a welcome return to Islington's Union Chapel for its third successful year

Monday 29 September 2008

On Saturday 8^th November, Mencap's Little Noise Sessions will make a welcome return to Islington's Union Chapel for its third successful year. Kicking things off will be Glaswegian rock galvanisers Glasvegas, the unstoppable four-piece will take to the tiny stage to play an acoustic set to an intimate crowd, alongside Cage the Elephant and a very special surprise act.

Set in the stunning surroundings of the Union Chapel, in London's Islington, Mencap's Little Noise Sessions unmissable series of intimate, acoustic gigs will take place from Saturday 8^th November and run for eleven consecutive nights to Tuesday 18^h November, to raise awareness and money for Mencap.

Mencap's Little Noise Sessions have a hard-earned reputation for showcasing the very best in both established and new music talent and this year's line-up is once again testament to this. With a swarm of today's hottest talent swooping on London, including headline performances from Glasvegas, Razorlight, Stereophonics, James Morrison, Kasabian, Keane and Fratellis, these shows cannot be missed!

Other acts to perform over the eleven days include Florence and the Machine, Esser, Seasick Steve, Sam Beeton, The Script, Bryn Christopher and Red Light Company with many more acts to announce.

Jo Whiley said "Mencap's Little Noise Sessions are a great opportunity to see big name bands play an acoustic gig in an intimate setting, whilst raising money for a really worthwhile cause."

Kelly Jones from Stereophonics said "We are really looking forward to playing the show for the Little Noise Sessions on behalf of Mencap. To be able to do an acoustic show in such an intimate venue and be able to support such a worthy cause will be a really special thing to do and something we rarely get chance to do....it will be beautiful!!!"

The Script - "We are very much looking forward to playing and delighted to be able to raise money for Mencap in this way"

Bryn Christopher - "It was amazing that Jo [Whiley] asked me to do it. It's nice to get the opportunity to do something for such a good charity, I'm sure it'll be a wicked night. I am so excited to be performing alongside The Script, I love Danny's voice!"

Seasick Steve - "I really appreciate that Jo [Whiley] asked me to play a show that actually means something, something that'll do some good"

Sam Beeton - "I am so excited to be a part of the Little Noise Sessions as I have always followed them in past years and enjoyed watching the great artists who have performed for such an important charity as Mencap."

Over the last two years Mencap's Little Noise Sessions has played host to huge international acts as well as exciting newcomers to the scene, including Amy Winehouse, Noel Gallagher, Snow Patrol, Lily Allen, Ting Tings, Laura Marling, Adele and Duffy and this year is no different. Watch your favourite artist up close and personal for a stripped down, bare boned performance.

As with previous years the sessions will also see a number of ‘Special Guests', which last year included the mighty Bono and The Edge from U2, who paid a surprise visit to the sessions and wowed fans in the tiny capacity venue with a breathtaking acoustic performance including exclusive, never performed before tracks.

Jo Williams, chief executive of Mencap said, "Mencap's Little Noise Sessions is a really important event for learning disability. Not only does it help raise money to ensure we can support people with a learning disability, but it raises the profile of the challenges that the 1.5 million with a learning disability face.

"We are hugely grateful to all the acts who freely give their time and effort, and especially to Jo Whiley, Mencap's ambassador, who puts in a huge amount of time and effort to help organise and curate the event.

"Little Noise means that we can give artists and potential artists with a learning disability, who normally face massive barriers, the opportunity to develop their skills and get opportunities in the creative industries."

We are delighted to announce a new bursary scheme for 2009 for performance and visual artists with a learning disability, funded by Little Noise Sessions. The scheme gives artists with a learning disability the chance to develop their skills and increases their opportunities in the arts and creative industries.  Any money raised over and above the required amount will go towards Mencap's other valuable work.

"As arts develop so do people."  Andy Kee, artist with a learning disability and youth worker.

For your chance to buy tickets log onto http://www.mencapmusic.org.uk/  and register between Wednesday 1^st October and Thursday 16th October.

Mencap's Little Noise Sessions Line-Up So Far

Saturday 8^th November

Glasvegas

Cage the Elephant

Sunday 9^th November

Razorlight

Florence and the Machine

Esser

Monday 10^th November

Stereophonics

Seasick Steve

Thursday 13^th November

James Morrison

Sam Beeton

Friday 14^th November

Kasabian

Saturday 15^th November

Keane

The Script

Bryn Christopher

Red Light Company

Tuesday 18^th November

Fratellis

For more information please go to http://www.mencapmusic.org.uk/

• Mencap works with people with a learning disability and their families and carers.
• There are 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability.
• A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops before, during or shortly after birth. It is always lifelong.
• People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate.
• People with profound and multiple learning disabilities need full-time help with every aspect of their lives - including eating, drinking, washing, dressing and toileting.
• People with a learning disability don't get an equal chance in life.
• Mencap fights to change laws and services and to provide better access to education, employment and leisure facilities, supporting thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want.