Summer soundcheck
Midge McCleary, Nicola Neilson, Louie Fairweather and Ben Stace are hoping that by bringing local sounds out of nighttime pub stages and into the Forum over summer Saturdays, both the musicians and surrounding businesses will benefit. Photo: William Woodworth.
Live music will fill Blenheim’s CBD on summer Saturdays as part of a new council initiative to revitalise the town centre and showcase local talent.
The Forum’s Rotunda will play host to Summer Sounds in the CBD over six Saturday afternoons throughout summer from 1pm to 4pm from this weekend, focusing on local musicians and supplying paid gigs while adding ambiance to the centre of town.
Six local acts have been contracted to perform in the Forum each Saturday until January 24 2026, alongside other attractions set under the SpaceCreate banner for summer such as an ice rink at Liz Davidson Place.
The programme follows Marlborough District Council’s 10-year arts, culture and creativity strategy, which highlighted the need for creative activations in public spaces.
“We wanted to get the community thinking about what could be done,” says Council arts, culture and heritage manager Nicola Neilson.
“Music was mentioned many times, so we decided to start this summer. It’s a trial to see if these things work but it can’t all be on council – businesses need to be involved too, and we’ve already began to engage our near neighbours on how they can support.”
Musician Midge McCleary was shoulder-tapped to curate the line-up to focus on family-friendly performers, and to be the first musician up, starting at 1pm on 20 December.
“I’ve done similar projects in other towns, and it’s great to see Marlborough backing the arts because music is everywhere – I don’t think I could imagine life without it,” he said.
For Louie Fairweather, who will perform with his brother as Wild Rose Chance on 24 January, the opportunity is huge.
“We’ve only been playing gigs for about a year, so to be in such a public space is exciting,” Louie says. “It’s a chance to reach people who wouldn’t normally hear us.”
Marlborough District Councillor Ben Stace says the initiative is just the beginning.
“There’s strong support within Council for more activities to make the town an attractive place to visit,” Ben says. “Events like this need backing from the community so they can keep happening.”
Nicola echoes Ben’s sentiments, and says the arts need more than financial support, but also ears to hear them.
“Musicians will be paid – this is about treating the arts as an economic sector, not expecting performers to play for free and if people support these events, there’ll be more to come.”