The events take place as part of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2003, sponsored by Vodaphone Live! The Friday night free festival features legendary Scottish songsmiths Hue and Cry, supported by the Cosmic Rough Riders, plus performances from Tippi, The Hazey Janes, Jo Stevens, Tony Moore and DJ Miss Behavin'.
The Saturday Unsigned Artist Contest final kicks off at 2 pm, with live appearances by all the finalists - Hooper, Nowhere Near the Garden, The Adventures of B Violet, The Climb, Demon Summer and Range#Eleven. Saturday's show also features the tabla and guitar alchemy of guest artists Aziz and Friends (former Stone Roses guitarist and current Ian Brown sideman).
The judging panel will include an A&R executive from Sony Music and a representative from the GWR radio group. Winners will receive a first prize of £2,500 cash, £2,500 worth of Sennheiser microphones, £500 Sennheiser headphones and the chance of a place on stage in the New Tent at Glastonbury 2004.
Commenting on the weekend of events, Sennheiser director of marketing, John Steven, said: "As only the second year at Bristol, 2003 marks a huge development for Sennheiser UK's commitment to live music. The cream of over 1,300 contest entries from all over Europe should make for a great day of music on Saturday. The addition of the Friday night festival has evolved as a direct result of the interest that has been generated by Sennheiser's support of live performance, the extent of which lent itself to the addition of a further night of professional performances. With help from South West Audio and a top festival stage we're supplying the best possible platform for some great talent, both established and undiscovered. We hope as many people as possible come along. It's free, it's on us."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
