Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions curated by Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley, are back with a bang for the 6th year running - and there’s definitely nothing little about 2011’s line up!  Taking residency in our new home the iconic church, St John-at-Hackney this is going to be an unmissable set of shows!

Kicking off the opening night with an almighty headline performance are Mercury and BRIT award winners Elbow.  Join us from 22 – 27 November to celebrate a week of simply stunning, gigs in aid of learning disability charity Mencap. Tickets go on general release from 10 October with an exclusive presale for subscribers from 7 October. Sure to sell out fast subscribe NOW at www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk.

Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions are heading to Hackney to once again showcase a series of performances from some of the hottest names in music. Famed for capturing stripped back music in an intimate venue, the Sessions give the audience the chance to see something truly special each night. 

The new venue is, St John-at-Hackney is an icon set in the heart of Hackney. With over 700 years of history, this unique venue will play host to Mencap's Little Noise Sessions - it's FIRST EVER music festival. Situated in beautiful gardens, St John-at-Hackney provides the perfect backdrop for a series of performances sure to be as stunning as its atmospheric interior.

On Tuesday 22 November, we welcome Elbow to the Altar, as they headline this year’s opening night. With two platinum albums, massive critical acclaim and stadium shows under their belts, Elbow will bring their award winning sound to Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions.  Supported by an exclusive solo performance from Maverick Sabre, a singer songwriter who has his name ringing around the world right now and rightly so!

Elbow front-man Guy Garvey said; ”We are dead proud to be added to the list of amazing bands that have done the Little Noise Sessions for Jo Whiley and Mencap. In fact we have organised a warm up tour of Europe before the show to make sure we are in tip top condition when we play!”

Headlining Wednesday 23 November is singer-songwriter Marina & The Diamonds. Working on the much-awaited follow up to her critically-acclaimed debut album The Family Jewels Marina is now set to make her mark on Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions. Next is, up and coming Swedish duo Icona Pop who’s pop enthused tunes are sure to enthral the audience in the atmospheric setting of St John-at-Hackney. Kick starting the evening is Spark, an innovative East London girl already making waves with her live shows.

With 5 stunning albums to date, Goldfrapp have cemented their reputation as one of the most consistently inventive and genuinely unique live acts around. Set to take Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions by storm on Friday 25 November, Goldfrapp’s hypnotic, electronic pulse is sure to get the congregation on their feet! Joining them for a Friday night to remember are electronic duo Alpines. Hailing from Kingston Upon Thames, Alpines atmospheric songs are the perfect addition to the night.

Returning for his second appearance at Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions on Saturday 26 November is Example. His captivating performance wowed the crowds in 2010 so expect another epic offering from the London artist. Joining him is the multi-talented, hot newcomer Ed Sheeran who’s single ‘The A Team’ won over fans earlier this year. Next up is Birdy, a gifted young singer whose beautiful sound has made her one not to be missed. Opening the night will be Fenech Soler whose heavenly chorus of voices combine glistening synths and dirty brass to create their foot stomping sound. 

To round off a stunning week of intimate performances on Sunday 27 November will be Sinéad O’Connor. Sinéad has been making music, rejecting stereotypes and defying expectations for more than a quarter of a century and will be performing her hits and new material from her forthcoming record ‘I be me and you be you’.  Joining her is Scottish troubadour King Creosote whose plaintive vocal and signature accordion create seamless music that will not only stop you in your tracks, but will leave you cleansed from the heart upwards…the perfect end to 2011’s Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions.

Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley said; “Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions are back for the 6th successful year and we’re excited to be moving to St John-at Hackney - a venue that in its 700 year history has never played host to a music gig like this! Each year we aim to surprise and inspire the audience, with a week of unbelievable shows coupled with a simply stunning backdrop. See you there…”

Ellie Gray, Mencap’s director of fundraising said: “We are delighted to have such a great line up for Mencap's 6th Little Noise Sessions and we are really grateful for all of the artists who have given their free time for this really important cause.  The money raised will help Mencap support people with a learning disability, who are amongst the most marginalised in our society.”

Subscribers to the Little Noise Sessions website have exclusive access to a host of great content including; priority ticketing, backstage footage, audio, photos and all the latest news from the Little Noise backstage blog, for just £6 for six months. Your subscription fee will go directly to Mencap – helping , raise vital funds for the 1.5 million people in UK with a learning disability.  Visit www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk to subscribe now!

To keep up to date with all the latest information on Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions follow us on Twitter @little_noise or stop by and check us out on Facebook www.facebook.com/littlenoisesessions

There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK, who are among the most excluded and disadvantaged people in our society. Those with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate. Mencap fights for the changes that people with a learning disability, their families and supporters want and need so that they can live their lives the way they choose.