Events

Gigbeth

Various

The UK’s Most Diverse Music Festival returns to Digbeth
1-3 November 2007

Following the success of the March 2006, Gigbeth returns to the streets of Birmingham 1-3 November 2007. The 3 day all genre music festival has already been listed in the Telegraph’s Pick of the UK Festivals 2007 alongside Glastonbury, V, Reading and Leeds.

Gigbeth which was piloted in March last year and saw performances from Dirty Pretty Things, Raconteurs, Nizlopi and The Twang, will return in November to coincide with Music Live – the national music exhibition at the NEC that brings over 28,000 visitors to the City.

The link with Music Live is not the only change to the event; last year Gigbeth took place in 9 venues in Digbeth but it’s considerable growth in the last year and a half means that it is will be in closer 20 venues, ranging from the Adam and Even in Digbeth, through to the Bullring and Glee Club. One of the most significant changes however, is the securing of an Urban Fusion grant for a Grand Opening Ceremony, which will see the closing of Digbeth High Street on Thursday 1st with special live outdoor performances from Mr Hudson and the Library, Soweto Kinch, Nizlopi and bhangra band Achanak.

Gigbeth aims to promote the thriving music scene in Birmingham and showcase not only our musical talent but also the venues, promoters and businesses that make it all happen. That is why Gigbeth works with such a wide range of partners, both regionally and nationwide. Last year Gigbeth’s main partners were Learning and Skills Council, Channelfly, Musicians’ Union, Digital Central, South Birmingham College and Radisson SAS Hotel. However, this list has grown significantly in 2007 and now includes Music Live, Urban Fusion, Access to Music, Apple UK, Marketing Birmingham and Bullring Birmingham but to name a few (for a full listing go to www.gigbeth.com)

The conference, which aims to bring together music industry and education, will be held in Radisson SAS and sponsored by Apple, who will be assisting with the theme of new technology and how it changes the way we learn, create and consume music.

The PR buzz surrounding this year’s festival has already begun but to further increase the Regional and National interest, Gigbeth is holding a number of events in the run up to November:
•19th June saw the first London Launch, held at Camden Barfly, for industry and press. It was headlined by Mr Hudson and the Library, who were supported by The Priory.
•On 12th July Gigbeth takes part in the famous International Jazz Festival where Polish pianist Marcin Masecki will be playing at Hotel Du Vin
•18th July will see Gigbeth hosting a day at the Bullring Beach which will see live music from Vijay Kishore, The Priory and Nizlopi
•Gigbeth will also have a presence at a range of other Birmingham events, including ArtsFest.

Gigbeth tickets allow entry into all venues and gigs:

*•1 day pass = £6*

*•3 day pass = £15*

*•Joint ticket offer with Music Live, (3 day pass for Gigbeth and 1 day pass to Music Live) = £20!*

Gigbeth takes place 1-3 November 2007, in around 20 venues in the Digbeth area of Birmingham, for more information go to www.gigbeth.com