603 Guitars, One Powerful Message: Liverpool’s Big Guitar-In Strikes a Record-Breaking Chord for The Florrie
The sound of 603 guitars rang out across Mountford Hall last Thursday night (11 December) as Liverpool’s Big Guitar-In returned in spectacular, record-breaking fashion. Beating last year’s total by a single guitarist, the fifth edition of the fundraiser delivered an unforgettable evening of music, unity and community spirit — all in support of The Florrie.
Hundreds of guitarists took to the stage together, creating a wall of sound that lifted the roof and underlined the power of collective creativity. The event’s mission is clear: to raise vital funds to protect The Florrie’s Community Classes and keep them free and accessible for everyone. While the night itself was a huge success, organisers have stressed that urgent donations are still needed to secure the future of these essential sessions.
The mass performance brought together a remarkable mix of emerging talent and Liverpool music royalty. Young Scouse artists Olga Fitz, Louis Gibney, Credits and The Sway performed alongside well-known names including Space, Crowded Scouse and Brian Nash, with the crowd erupting as surprise special guest Jamie Webster joined the line-up. Many of the guitarists on stage have developed their skills through The Florrie’s weekly free guitar classes, making the evening a powerful showcase of what community-led arts provision can achieve.
Timo Tierney, The Florrie’s Community Hub Co-ordinator and organiser of The Big Guitar-In, said the night was one of the most moving moments of his career. He explained that the free guitar classes, which he started nearly a decade ago, have brought people together from all walks of life and now urgently need public support to continue. “To have so many incredibly talented people in the same room, all playing and singing, is honestly soul-stirring,” he said. “But simply put, we need more donations from the public to save them.”
The appeal comes at a critical time. Rising utility costs, fewer available grants, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and growing demand for social support have pushed The Florrie’s Community Classes to their limit. These sessions play a vital role across Liverpool City Region, helping people learn new skills, stay active, combat isolation and build meaningful friendships, while also connecting them to wider community support networks.
The Big Guitar-In will return to Liverpool in 2026, with further details set to be announced in spring. Meanwhile, The Florrie Guitar Group continues to meet every Tuesday at 6pm, with new members of all abilities warmly welcomed.
Those able to support can donate to help save The Florrie’s Community Classes at https://gofund.me/8f8f91837.
Follow @the_florrie on Instagram for updates.
