Go West: Citadel crew just keeps on buskin’!

Citadel Music Project

Young people from Leith’s Citadel Youth Project have been rockin’ Glasgow Central Station, with the help of Justice Secretary Michael Matheson MSP and Glasgow City Council leader Cllr. Frank McAveety.

The event was organised by YouthLink Scotland to promote young musicians who have been funded by the CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund. All funds raised on the day have been donated to Cash for Kids.

The ‘Big CashBack Busk’ was officially opened by Justice Secretary, Michael Matheson MSP and the young musicians were welcomed by Glasgow City Council Leader, Frank McAveety, who brought along his guitar to entertain travellers.

Commuters were entertained by 12 young musicians and bands from across the country from a special stage in Central Station from 9am to 6pm. The young musicians from Citadel put on a foot stompin performance.

Performers Daniel R performing original track ‘Watch Your Mouth’ and Leah performing ‘Stupid Little Boys’ Taken off the Citadel Youth Centre Hip Hop Project 2015 ‘Rap City’ CD.

The project,  run in Citadel Youth Centre in Leith,  includes local youngsters aged 12 to 15 from the area engaging in writing, recording and performance of Spoken Word Poetry and Hip Hop. The project was run by Rolain Bradbeer aka Conscious Route, an Edinburgh-based artist working under the banner of B Creative Workshops.

Justice Secretary, Michael Matheson MSP said: “It is fantastic to see the young people from Citadel involved in today’s event also give something back to communities throughout Scotland. They are volunteering their time and their talents, using skills they have learnt through the CashBack programmes, to raise money for vulnerable children.

“As a government we are committed to tackling inequality and one of the ways we are doing this is through CashBack, which offers every young person, regardless of their background, the opportunity to be all they can be.

Speaking before the event, guitar in hand, Frank McAveety said: “Since 2008, CashBack for Communities has provided millions of pounds for art, dance and cultural projects for the young people of Scotland. Glasgow has always been the musical capital of Scotland, so it is a pleasure to welcome the Big CashBack Busk and youngsters from Citadel which is funded by the Youth Work Fund.

“Famously, the legendary Neil Young busked in Glasgow Central, so we will be in good company!”

Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland, Jim Sweeney said: “Glasgow Central provided a perfect venue for our young musicians and some not so young to give it LALDY as they say in the west. It was brilliant to see young people giving their time and talent to benefit other young people via the Cash for Kids charity.. as Brucie might say…”keep on busking.”

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davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer