Hello and a belated Happy New Year to you all!
As we go headlong into our 5th term we are hopeful of a great year ahead for the local music and arts scenes. Other noteable anniversaries include a 10th birthday for Artrix in Bromsgrove, so look out for the celebrations there in April. The Marrs Bar now in its 15 year and The Swan Theatre which first opened its doors to the public a staggering 50 years ago!
We also have many new initiatives to celebrate this year, such as the brand new Breaking Bands Festival at Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove which will sit nicely along side other major local festivals such as Nozstock, Lakefest, Wychwood and 2000 Trees to name but a few.
Despite many venues up and down the country sadly having to finally close their doors, we are seeing more and more local promoters such as Never Mind the Bullocks, Surprise Attacks, Hereford Live, CFS Presents & Embrace the Chaos putting on great shows at different venues. Bringing us quality acts the like of God Damn - our front cover image taken by our own Brendan Stephens. In fact it’s this kind of initiative that keeps us excited about the future of music around the counties. Perhaps this is why many local acts are getting played more regularly on 6music and bands like Das Sexy Clap and Stiff Joints even played on Radio 1.
Our local urban festivals including the Worcester Music Festival and Malvern Rocks begin to gather pace and there’s even talk of gigs at Worcester Cathedral (watch this space)!
Our many art centres mainly run by volunteers are busy organising their programmes of events, classes, exhibitions and theatre to give us all something to get our teeth into. So have a great February and we’ll see you in the Spring!
Excite-Ed
