Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about MYB
(...oh, and the answers)

Who can play at MYB gigs?
The scheme is designed for young bands from within Macclesfield borough. Most musicians are of secondary school age. In practice, at least one member of the band needs to reside within the borough.  

What styles of music does MYB promote?
All the bands currently performing are in the rock/pop genre. We are open to all styles, but rap, folk and jazz acts have yet to come forward!

How does my band get to play?
You'll need to have at least 15 minutes of material, well rehearsed. When you get to that point, go to the Get Involved section of this website and click on GET SIGNED. Here you'll be prompted to provide details so that we can add you to the list of active bands. We'll then contact you when we have a slot available.

Do bands have to pay to play, or do they get paid to appear?
It doesn't cost bands anything to play at these events. On the other hand, they don't earn anything from them either. MYB is non-profit making. The money taken on the door is used to pay for equipment hire, security, publicity etc.

What happens about equipment?
A PA system is provided for the bands to use free-of-charge at each event. Bands bring their own drums and backline amplifiers. There is a lot of equipment sharing to minimise the changeover time between bands. Bands that are just starting out can benefit from being able to use the equipment that other bands have brought.

How many bands do you have at each event?
The number varies, but there are usually between 5 and 7 bands playing each gig.

Where can you buy tickets?
Tickets are available a few days in advance of each gig from the Tourist Information Centres at Wilmslow and Macclesfield. See the Contacts section of the website for phone numbers.

How much are tickets?
Tickets are normally priced at £3 in advance and £4 on the door

Can young kids, parents etc get in?
Yes, there are no restrictions although Macclesfield Borough Council reserves the right to refuse admission in the interests of safety. Young children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Where are the gigs held?
The main venues are Festival Hall at Alderley Edge, and the Senior Citizens Hall in Macclesfield. Click here for Directions.

Where are the gigs publicised?
Flyers are produced prior to each gig and these are distributed through secondary schools, shops and outlets run by Macclesfield Borough Council. Details are also sent to local newspapers and radio stations. You can also find details of future events here on the website. Click here

Can non-musicians get involved?
There are plenty of opportunities for young people (and their parents!) to get involved. See the Get Involved section

Why don't you let more people into the gigs?
Each venue has a fire limit set by the local Fire Authority. This means that there is an upper limit to the number of people we can admit at any one time. Occasionally this has meant that some people have not been able to gain access. Unfortunately, the only way to guarantee you'll get in is to buy your ticket in advance, or get there very early.

Our band has changed its name. What should we do?
It is important that you tell us if you have changed the name of the band. If you forget to do this it can lead to confusion and you may miss the opportunity to play. Log in through the front page of this site to change your details

We've changed our line-up
As above, you need to keep us up-to-date with changes in band personnel. Log in through the front page of this site to change your details

I've lost my password
There is a form for you to recover your password here.