Guides join over 10,000 to watch stars perform at Wembley

Members of 21st Rochdale Guides at Buckingham Palace before the Big Gig

Guides from across the borough were dazzled by some of the biggest names in UK pop as they headed to Wembley Arena for Girlguiding’s Big Gig on Saturday 4 October.

21st Rochdale Guides, from Littleborough, joined a girl-only crowd of more than 10,000 at the event, held exclusively for Guides from all over the UK.

The 22 girls, all aged between 10 and 14, enjoyed performances from a stellar line-up including chart toppers Little Mix, street dance stars Diversity, girl group Neon Jungle and four-piece boy band Union J.

The girls said they particularly enjoyed Little Mix and Diversity and also the fact they were able to wear fancy dress for the event.

The 21st Rochdale Guides travelled to London by train, and used the Underground to visit some of the capital's famous landmarks, including a visit to Downing Street, and watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Millie Harris, 11, said: “I loved the Big Gig, it was really fun. We all sang along to Little Mix and Union J, and I lost my voice. It was really exciting being in an arena just filled with Guides.”

Amy Bamford, Leader, and fellow Guide Leaders led the girls on their adventure to Wembley. Amy added: “The Big Gig is one of the highlights of the year for our Guides. It’s great to have an exclusive concert just for Guides to watch, with such brilliant acts. Roll on next year.”

The Big Gig is hosted by Girlguiding for members aged between 10 and 14, and has seen some of the biggest names in pop, including Ed Sheeran, Tinie Tempah and Rita Ora, perform at major venues around the UK over its 13-year history.