Meet Block Seven

For years Hibernian’s singing section has been the lifeblood of the atmosphere at Easter Road. Originally situated in the new East Stand and then relocated to the Famous Five upper in recent seasons, groups of fans dedicated to creating noise and colour at matches have enhanced the match day experience and created some iconic memories in the club’s modern history.

Football is nothing without its supporters, and Scottish football in particular is renowned for the passion and commitment of its fanbases. For nearly 18 months games were played in empty stadiums, with only the noise from the players or PA systems ringing around echoing arenas.

The return of fans to Easter Road sadly signalled the end of the club’s singing section group, Since 1875, who called it a day with other commitments making it difficult to continue post-lockdown.

In their farewell message Since 1875 said they wanted to ‘pass the reins onto the next generation’ and we are delighted to introduce the next group of supporters looking to bring passion, colour and noise to Hibernian matches at home and on the road – Block Seven.

Speaking as a group, Block Seven explained they are keen to continue the great work carried out by Since 1875 in making sure Easter Road is loud and colourful on matchdays.

With lots of songs in their armoury it takes some coordination throughout the week to make sure everyone is on board when it comes to cheering on the boys in green and white.

“A few of the core members of Block Seven were involved with Since 1875 and took over the mantle when they decided to pass it on to the next generation in order to create a positive atmosphere and match day experience for all supporters and players.

“Ideas for new songs and chants are discussed in our group chat and at times ideas are sent to us from the wider support and then implemented on the match day.”

A stand out feature in recent years has been the reliable drumbeat which can be heard at matches home and away. With big stadiums and large numbers of fans getting involved in songs the drum allows everyone to stay in time and is often used to great effect and skill, with only selected group members trusted with its use.

“There are chosen members within the group who start songs/chants depending upon who is on the pitch, who is standing out on a particular day or who needs the support and encouragement from the crowd.”

Block Seven added: “We have a designated drummer for match days along with a back-up drummer in case someone can’t make a match or needs a rest during the game!”

Many of the most memorable pieces of work carried out by the singing sections over the years have been the colourful displays at Easter Road and Hampden Park – with some instantly recognisable moments coordinated by previous groups.

Supporters are asked to arrive prior to kick off and to follow instructions to use the material placed on their seats. These are often coloured sheets, individual flags or larger surfing banners which are held up as the teams emerge and display a message or pattern to spur the squad on to victory.

Hugely popular in mainland Europe and South America, Block Seven explained the displays or ‘tifos’ take a huge amount of planning, coordination and volunteer commitment to transform ideas to the finished article.

“There is a lot of work that goes into organising displays behind the scenes, whether it be at Easter Road or Hampden Park. Discussion takes place around the type of display and message we want to put across.

“As a group we form ideas, look at the time it will take to arrange and consider the materials and cost implications. The ideas are then discussed with the club and the logistics of making the display are agreed.

“The recent display at Hampden Park for the Premier Sports cup final was organised in conjunction with Hibs, who helped out enormously by providing seating plans which made it easier to set out the display and then 18,000 green, white and black foil sheets were ordered to create the desired effect.”

With the stadium plans studied and materials ordered, a group of hardy volunteers travelled through to Glasgow just 24 hours before they were about to do it all again for the match itself to set up.

“We reached out to other Hibs supporters’ groups for help to set out the display but we appreciate it was short notice and the time and distance made it difficult to get volunteers along.

“20 members of Block Seven and 10 willing supporters made the trip through to Hampden on a damp, foggy morning and spent 4.5 hours placing individual foil sheets in seats throughout the entire Hibernian allocation.”

With fans set to return to stadiums from Monday 17^th January, Block Seven are looking to grow in order to increase their presence at matches for the rest of the campaign.

“Our hope for the remainder of the season is to grow as a group by attracting new members into Block Seven – this would allow us to further enhance the atmosphere both home and away.”

The group are currently based in section 45 of the East Stand for home matches and with lots of debate around the best place for the singing section to be located they are hoping to work with the club to find a positive solution going forward.

“Our long-term goal for Block Seven is to relocate to a better suited section within Easter Road which would be full of supporters singing, chanting and supporting the club.

“Hibs have been very cooperative and supportive with all ideas and requests from Block Seven. We are in constant discussion to look at future plans for the group in order to provide the best match day experience for all involved in Hibernian FC.”

Block Seven would like to thank the Hibernian family for their continued support and kind messages which they have received.

You can contribute towards materials for future Block Seven displays on their GoFundMe page by clicking here.