Meet the 696 Promoters!

Hear from the talented young people at the Horniman Museum and Gardens about how they planned, produced and promoted their own music events

Checking the Lineup (2021) by Elena LedgisterHorniman Museum and Gardens

What is a promoter?

A music promoter works with artists, managers, venues and audio/visual production teams to plan an event. 

Smiles all around! (2021) by Elena LedgisterHorniman Museum and Gardens

The promoter ensures the artists have everything they need offstage and on, from music equipment to refreshments. In short: they make the event happen!

Hear from the Promoters themselves about working on 696, and the lessons they learnt along the way. 

Candid! (2021) by Elena LedgisterHorniman Museum and Gardens

Who are the 696 Promoters?

The 696 Promoters are a group of young people aged 16 – 25 who are passionate about producing live music events.

For 10 weeks they worked with music industry experts to produce high quality music events. They also received 1:1 mentoring, built networks and gained confidence. 

DJ Corner! (2021) by Elena LedgisterHorniman Museum and Gardens

The 696 Promoters curated 3 events in the Conservatory, showcasing South London's best new up and coming artists.

There were performances from Kairo Keys, R.A.E, Realz, Mya K, DJ Ayizan, DJ Courtz and many more, featuring the best afrobeats, drill, R&B, dancehall and jazz.

Dj Ayizan in her element, Elena Ledgister, 2021, From the collection of: Horniman Museum and Gardens
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Realz and his DJ hyping up the crowd, Elena Ledgister, 2021, From the collection of: Horniman Museum and Gardens
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Singing her heart out, Elena Ledgister, 2021, From the collection of: Horniman Museum and Gardens
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D'Angel J, performing live on stage., Elena Ledgister, 2021, From the collection of: Horniman Museum and Gardens
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Full of vibe!, Elena Ledgister, 2021, From the collection of: Horniman Museum and Gardens
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Setting the mood, Elena Ledgister, 2021, From the collection of: Horniman Museum and Gardens
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The headliner was R.A.E. She had the crowd jumping with her 90s RnB vibe!

Interviewing the 696 promoters (2021) by Elena LedgisterHorniman Museum and Gardens

696 Promoters - So where are they now?

The 696 Promoters worked on other events at the Horniman, including the Original Jerk Cookout.

They have used their experience, skills and networks to go out into the music industry with many of them now working in events, radio, and marketing.

Everyone on stage! (2021) by Elena LedgisterHorniman Museum and Gardens

696 Promoters and friends

Rudi Schmidt and Adem Holness with Ericka, Valerie, J, Sammy, Asha, Kara, Joel, Paige, Elizabeth, Courtney, Joshua and Kombo.

Discussing logistics (2021) by Elena LedgisterHorniman Museum and Gardens

Adem Holness talks to us about the 696 Promoters

"We wanted to develop the Promoters programme so that we were equipping people with the skills to put live music on, skills that might have been lost in the challenges that form 696 presented.

They’re doing a main gig. It’s as important as Steam Down on the Bandstand."

Sammy (2021) by Elena LedgisterHorniman Museum and Gardens

The 696 Promoter Programme was supported by Youth Music, Lottery Fund, Arts Council England.

Partners include Spiral and Job Centre Plus. 

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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