Oct 11

A Heavenly January on its way in Hebden Bridge

The Trades, Hebden Bridge 2017. Dreary old January. Dark rainy nights, empty bank account, buddies off the alcohol… is there anything the wretched first month has going for it? Well, yes! A Heavenly weekend at The Trades in Hebden Bridge, where the esteemed venue puts on a mini fest of musical delights. Last year, we saw…

Sep 29

Olivia

Fightback: Music Venue Trust Roundhouse gig

If you care about live music, it’s time to put your full support behind it – which means going to as many live gigs as you can! The amount on venues which are closing countrywide is truly heartbreaking. The Roundhouse is hosting a Music Venue Trust gig at The Roundhouse in Camden on 18th October…

Sep 9

Olivia

Early Birds for Bearded Theory 2017

It’s the big one – Bearded Theory 10th Anniversary Special THURSDAY 25TH SUNDAY 28TH MAY 2017 TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY 10th SEPTEMBER AT 9AM FIRST 1500 TICKETS FOR SALE AT EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT PRICE The organisers of Bearded Theory have confirmed that their award-winning family-friendly Spring Gathering will return to celebrate its 10th anniversary between…

Sep 8

Olivia

Review: Festival Number 6 2016

The good, the bad and the muddy… On a positive note, Festival Number 6 yet again had its moments of music, magic and discovery. The location is Portmeirion, the beautiful and quirky Italian village in north Wales. And it was commendable to note just how many of the artists appearing on Festival No 6’s various stages were…

Aug 24

Olivia

Green Man 2016 review: indie and lots of weather

Forecasts were for gales, thunder and torrential rain. What we actually got were tantalising peeks of sun, and showers which floated down with clockwork regularity like a sprinkler system. If you’ve ever wanted a quiet word with the Met Office when they get things wrong, by fortunate coincidence there they were, at Einstein’s Garden, Green Man’s science /…

Aug 17

Olivia

Festivals for September: the hotlist

Reasons to be cheerful, music lovers – September is awash with festivals. Heavyweights are End of the Road, Festival No 6 and Bestival, but you’re spoilt for choice all month long. Why the increase in festivals? It may be partly due to gigs becoming more pricey, hence being able to see headliners plus a whole slew of upcoming artists in one go makes…

Aug 5

Olivia

Green Gathering festival on now

Green Gathering Festival is on now and through to Sunday. Based in Chepstow, close to Bristol, this family friendly sustainable event is only £95 and is situated in the grounds of beautiful Piercefield House. On the lineup are the fabulous folky 3 Daft Monkeys (pictured), plus Hebden Bridge’s own Tetchi, who I’ve seen at The Trades…

Jul 21

Olivia

World music and world food at Womad

In the third of my ‘festivals and food’ series, Gourmet Gigs this week takes a look at the gorgeous global food treats at Womad. The festival might be known primarily for world music, but it has steadily built a name for itself in the food arena too, and the Taste the World stage has proved popular over the…

Jul 18

Olivia

Moving Forward: photo exhibition by homeless young people

The private view of Moving Forward photography exhibition took place on Thursday 14th July at the glamorous offices of The Guardian in Kings Cross, on a rare sunny evening with sun flooding into the space. Moving Forward features beautiful photographs by a group of young students who have been taking creative workshops at Ravensbourne College, but what makes this exhibition all the more…

Jul 9

Olivia

On Blackheath festival selects singer-songwriter Michael Kilbey

OnBlackheath festival, which takes place over the weekend of 10-11th September, has chosen singer songwriter Michael Kilbey to appear on stage in their ‘rising star’ slot. I saw Michael Kilbey at this free gig at The World’s End in Finsbury Park and was instantly captivated by his warmth and sensitivity, plus strong vocal capabilities, I’m delighted he’s…