Celebrities speed to the aid of music therapy charity

The world of music moved up a gear to race to help Nordoff and Robbins – the UK’s largest music therapy charity.

The newly opened ‘F1 DRIVE – London’ experience hosted Live Nation’s first Music Therapy Grand Prix™ at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium featuring 12 teams from the music industry, including Live Nation, Wasserman and Ticketmaster, who took to the karting track to tussle for the top spot in this debut event.

This clash of the music titans raised £55,720 at the star-studded event, which included Mark King of Level 42 and JAY1.

Live Nation European Tour Co-ordinator John Giddings, who created the concept for the event, said: “Music is such an important tool for healing and empowerment, and we are proud to support the invaluable work of Nordoff and Robbins. I would like to thank the participating teams for their generous donations and F1 DRIVE – London and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for their hospitality and first-class facilities. This was a day to remember and it will pave the way for other events.”

President of International Touring at Live Nation, Phil Bowdery, added: “The music industry is incredibly powerful when we all come together. Events like this truly make a difference.”

F1 DRIVE – London, which opened in February, is the world’s first official Formula 1 karting experience. It is situated below Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’s South Stand and the track has already been frequented by celebrities including will.i.am.

Since opening in April 2019, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become acclaimed for its multi-use capabilities, with the world’s first dividing, retractable grass surface providing the ability to host a range of major events all year including concerts where world-renowned acts have performed such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns N Roses. P!NK and Pearl Jam are due to appear this summer.

About Nordoff and Robbins music therapy charity

Nordoff and Robbins is the UK’s largest music therapy charity, with a unique approach shaped by more than 60 years’ experience. Using the power of music, it breaks through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability, and social isolation.

The charity does this by providing music therapy to people across the UK, while also training music therapists of the future and funding research to measure and improve the impact of its work.

Music therapy involves making music collaboratively, and can help people with all kinds of conditions: from autism to dementia, learning difficulties to brain injuries, life-limiting illnesses to mental health issues, grief and trauma.

Nordoff and Robbins has centres in Croydon, Dunfermline, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Newcastle that provide one-to-one and group sessions for children and adults, alongside providing sessions in various settings including schools, hospitals and care homes. Its music therapy training is validated by Goldsmiths, University of London, and is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).