The north east’s biggest live music festival will shine a spotlight on some up-and-coming talent this year, thanks to an exciting new partnership.
Hardwick Live Festival has teamed up with BBC Radio Tees to add a BBC Tees Introducing stage to this year’s line-up, which will showcase music from 10 of the region’s rising stars between 17 and 18 August.
And the performers could follow in the footsteps of Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, The 1975 and Florence and the Machine, who all boosted their careers on BBC Introducing Music stages.
On Saturday, music fans can enjoy sets from post-indie four-piece, PLAZA, popular indie band The Yada Yada Yadas, songwriter and musician Harri Endersby, Nel Unlit – who describe their latest work as a ‘folk-pop-opera’ – and alternative rock band Swears.
The following day, progressive folk musician George Boomsma will take to the stage, along with five-piece indie-pop band Llovers and pop duo Cherry Head, Cherry Heart, known for their stripped back songs.
Also performing is Faithful Johannes, whose style is somewhere ‘between spoken word poetry and rap’, and urban alt-pop artist Eve Conway, who recently performed at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
They will join more than 50 artists playing at the event over the two days, including big names on the main stage such as Manic Street Preachers, James, The Zutons and Lisa Stansfield.
John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall Hotel, believes the new stage will be a big hit.
“We always strive to bring the best talent to the festival and so we jumped at the opportunity to partner with BBC Tees Introducing,” said John.
“We’re constantly looking for new ways to give festival-goers the best possible experience and this is a fantastic opportunity to hear some undiscovered artists.
“The BBC Introducing team have selected an incredible line-up and I’m really looking forward to seeing them perform over the weekend.”
Fans can also enjoy sets from Stiff Little Fingers, Ziggy Marley, Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, Billy Bragg, The Sherlocks and The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club.
And the festival will also be home to a dance arena for the first time, which will take place at the hotel’s Coachhouse Courtyard and be hosted by elite club brand Glitterbox on Saturday, followed by Retro on Sunday, with sets from top DJs including Joey Negro, Horse Meat Disco and Jeremy Healy.
Tickets for this year’s Hardwick Live Festival are currently on sale at £55 for one day or £99 for both days. Concessions are available for children and 13-17-year-olds.
Camping and glamping options are also available for those who want to immerse themselves in the festival experience.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.hardwicklive.co.uk
