Back in October 2018, a friend tipped me off about a job that sounded perfect for me: coordinating the Gig Buddies project in West Sussex for Stay Up Late. I’d spent years in support work, loved live music, and this role felt like the perfect crossover. Seven years on, I can honestly say it ticked every box.
I’ve made so many great memories along the way - silent discos at Komedia, Guilty Pleasures at the Spiegel Tent, the No Bedtimes campaign launch, and even Girls Aloud at Pride in the Park!
There were also trips to London, Dublin, Gloucester and Penrith, helping new Gig Buddies projects get off the ground, but the real magic has always been closer to home. Introducing new buddies, watching friendships form, and seeing them grow and last over time has been the most rewarding part of the job. Yes, there’s plenty of time spent behind a laptop, but when photos and quotes come in showing what people have been up to, it makes it all worth it.
Social isolation is still a huge issue, and far too many people are shut out of the things that bring joy and meaning to life. The fight for a fairer, more inclusive society isn’t over and there’s always more that we can do. But it’s been a genuine privilege to play even a small part in helping people break down barriers and build active, joyful social lives.
The heart of Gig Buddies has always been the volunteers and participants - the people bringing it to life in pubs, clubs and venues across Sussex and beyond. I’ve also been lucky to work alongside an incredible Stay Up Late / Gig Buddies team: passionate, committed, and always good fun. I’ll be moving on in March, and it’s great to know the project is in such a strong place for the future.
The last seven years have been an absolute blast. I’ve met some truly brilliant people and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Keep gigging. Keep fighting. And keep asserting your right to party!
