Andrew Marston, the host of BBC Introducing from BBC Hereford & Worcester, provides us with a summary of regional music updates as reported by the BBC.
Herefordshire’s Ellie Goulding Reigns Supreme on UK Charts Once Again
Herefordshire’s Ellie Goulding has once again dominated the UK charts by landing the #1 spot in both the singles and album charts. The Kington artist released her new album on Good Friday and has already announced a tour this autumn. Miracle, a track she collaborated on with Calvin Harris, is their third single together and she recently revealed that she made him wait before agreeing to sing on the chart-topping track.
Broadsheep Celebrates 30 Years of Keeping Music Fans in the Loop
Broadsheep, a music publication in the area, is celebrating its 30th anniversary of bringing gig listings, features, and reviews to the community. In a time when many newspapers and magazines are struggling due to the internet, Broadsheep has remained successful by adapting and changing with the times. The publication has kept its distribution at similar levels over the past three decades, even during the pandemic
The Oxford Arms in Kington to Transform into Community Hub
The Oxford Arms, one of Herefordshire’s most historic pubs, is set to become a much-needed community space. The 17th-century coaching inn in Kington will continue to operate as a pub while also providing space for young people, live music, meeting rooms, film screenings, and pop-up food events. The sale has been agreed, and structural work is set to begin soon.
Upton Blues Festival Wins Best Blues Music Festival Award at UK Blues Awards
Upton Blues Festival has won the Best Blues Music Festival award at this year’s UK Blues Awards. Organizers of the festival took to social media to express their gratitude, stating, “No matter what happens, Blues & Blues Based Music is the overall winner.” Additionally, Trevor Babajack won Best Acoustic Act, thanks to his stunning session for BBC Music Introducing a few months ago at Hereford College of Arts.
Worcester Musician Joseph Morris Lands New Record Deal with Rexius Records
Finally, Worcester’s Joseph Morris, a talented musician, has revealed that he has just landed another record deal. Morris signed a record distribution deal for South Korea last year and has now picked up his first recording contract with Rexius Records to release his next single. He announced the exciting news on social media just before leaving for a holiday in Tenerife, thanking his fans for believing in him.
Redditch to receive nearly 50 special bleed kits to combat knife crime
Anti-knife crime campaigner Peter Martin has raised over £3,000 in donations to purchase special bleed kits that can save lives in the event of a stabbing. Almost 50 locations across Redditch will receive these kits, including pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, colleges, sports centres, garden centres, and the local mosque. The kits will provide vital aid to those injured in knife attacks and help prevent fatalities.
Legendary guitarist to headline John Bonham Celebration in Redditch
Redditch is set to host the John Bonham Celebration in May, to mark what would have been the drummer’s 75th birthday. The festival will feature a headline performance by a legendary guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Thin Lizzy, as well as the Eric Bell Band. The event promises to be a celebration of Bonham’s life and career, with a range of exciting performances and tributes.
Edward Elgar’s musical scores to be sold at auction in Worcestershire
Two musical scores by the renowned British composer Edward Elgar are set to be sold at Philip Serrell’s auction house in Malvern. The scores are expected to attract bids from around the world and represent an exciting opportunity for music collectors and enthusiasts. The auction is a rare chance to acquire a piece of musical history from one of Worcestershire’s most celebrated figures.
Plans approved to sell alcohol at multi-million-pound Worcestershire mansion
Wychavon District Council has approved plans to turn Ombersley Court, a 300-year-old country house in Worcestershire, into a private hire venue. The plans include the sale of alcohol as part of a late-night music license, with restrictions on the number of events and noise levels. Despite concerns from residents, the multi-million-pound project promises to be a unique and exciting addition to the region’s hospitality industry.
Peter Andre performs with singing sea lion at West Midland Safari Park
Peter Andre celebrated his 50th birthday at West Midland Safari Park with his family, where he discovered a talented sea lion named Bounty. The 13-year-old Californian sea lion “sang” a few lines of Andre’s hit Mysterious Girl, much to the musician’s delight. The encounter was a highlight of the park’s 50th birthday celebrations and delighted visitors and staff alike.
Worcester dog stars in Lewis Capaldi’s music video
A five-year-old Cairn Terrier named Winnie from Worcester has become a star in Lewis Capaldi’s latest music video, Wish You The Best. Winnie was selected for her resemblance to Greyfriars Bobby, a terrier who famously visited his master’s grave for 14 years after his death in 1858. Winnie stars alongside Harry Potter and Game of Thrones actor David Bradley in the heartwarming video.
All-star group to perform at Elgar Festival in Worcester
The Elgar Festival in Worcester has announced an exciting addition to its lineup: a one-off, all-star group named Blue Enigma. The group will perform a tribute to the life and music of Jeff Beck, featuring instrumentals that Beck performed regularly throughout his career. The performance promises to be an unforgettable experience and a highlight of the festival, which runs from Tuesday, 30 May until Sunday, 4 June.
Andrew Marston
BBC Introducing in Hereford & Worcester
BBC Music Introducing in Hereford & Worcester – Weekends, 6pm
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bbc.co.uk/introhw