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Diary Dates
Live Music Alldayer – Sunday 25 August
Firebug
Firebug is celebrating 20 years with a bank holiday alldayer. You can expect live music all day across 3 stages – Firebug upstairs and downstairs and in Duffy’s. All venues are family friendly until 8pm, and for those without the children the live music will be followed by a club night in Firebug until 4am. Party like the old days. Free entry throughout.
Skulk of Foxes – Sunday 25 August
The Big Difference
Skulk Of Foxes, the alternative folk-rock tandem hailing from Manchester, is a captivating synergy between the vocals of Beth Rigby and the instrumental work of Rob Aldridge. Infusing their music with a magnetic blend of gothic allure and dark folk, Skulk Of Foxes weaves a spellbinding tapestry that transcends genres. Within their haunting melodies, one discovers a harmonious fusion of emotive folk-inspired lyrics, elevating their sound to an ethereal realm of musical enchantment.
Flyte – Thursday 5 September
The Y Theatre
Flyte is an alternative four piece from London that are rooted in classic pop songwriting with songs that are infectiously melodic and compellingly lyrical.
Will Young – Sunday 15 September
The Y Theatre
Will Young returns with forthcoming, ninth studio album, “Light It Up”, due for release on this month. To celebrate the new album, Will is embarking on his most intimate tour yet – taking shape as an up close and personal evening of acoustic performances, stories and conversation.
Lauren Hibberd – Friday 20 September
The Soundhouse
Indie-rock singer raised on the Isle Of Wight. “If you like Jamie T and The Big Moon, I suspect this will be up your street. She’s fab” – Clara Amfo, BBC Radio 1
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INTERVIEW: Looking ahead to Brew Beat
Leicester’s popular free annual craft beer and music festival, Brew Beat, is back next weekend (30 August – 1 September). With a weekend packed with good vibes, great music, delicious craft beers, local food, and more, it’s set to be a summer highlight to end the season. AND it’s free entry for everyone who attends. We caught up with Yasin from HQ to chat about the music line-up and what to expect.
What can people expect from the music line-up at Brew Beat this year, and do you have any particular highlights?
Expect an eclectic mix of the most exciting new and emerging including DJs, bands, acoustic acts and some exclusive music made in collaboration with HQ Familia, De Montfort University students and alumni. Genre-wise we will have everything from soul, funk, hip hop, afro beat and house, from 8 piece New Orleans-style brass to an Argentinian reggae band! Artist highlights will be King Brasstards, Beacon Bloom, Nahli, Harri Georgio & The Well Behaved Young Men and all the HQ Familia & Friends artists. Sunday is a Funknation takeover and they have a great selection of DJs and Cantaloop headlining that day. We will also have an extremely wide range of craft beers, ciders and cocktails available plus pizza, Thai and Caribbean food on sale over the weekend.
How important is it that Leicester hosts these events?
It’s really important to have these kind of events. Showcasing the talent we have in the city and giving a platform for artists to be paid to perform their own original music is something that is essential to career progression and building a bigger fan base. It is also important for the economy, last years Brew Beat Festival attracted more than 7,000 to the event which helps all the businesses involved and other bars, cafes, shops and restaurants in the city centre. Collaboration is also super important so I love getting the chance to work with BID Leicester, Arch Creative, and The Real Ale Classroom to create something special for the city that we can all enjoy and be proud of.
How would you describe Brew Beat to anyone who hasn’t been before?
Brew Beat is a free craft beer and multi-genre music festival that is family friendly and showcases the best music, food and drink. It’s all about providing the city a high quality event where the music never stops and you may find your next favourite artist or craft beer. Brew Beat is a really welcoming event to come to and expect a great atmosphere and a super diverse crowd having fun and enjoying the music!
What’s your favourite thing about the event?
Obviously I’m a bit biased, but the music is my favourite part. I get to book my favourite artists and even my 8 year old son Lion The Creator, who is my co host and performs his own tracks. He’s the highlight for me! The whole festival is absolute vibes from start to finish though and I love everything about it!
Of course it’s not just music at Brew Beat. What’s your favourite craft beer?
I can’t lie, I’m a lager man, but I know The Real Ale Classroom really know their stuff and have selected an amazing collection of craft beers so if that is your thing you will not be disappointed. If it’s not there’s lots of other options too.
What have been some of the standout artists you’ve worked with at HQ?
We’ve worked with so many artists over the years in various capacities but some of my favourite songs we’ve released have come from Harri Georgio, Maniscooler, StudioWyzz, Jafro, Morgan Munroe, Ffion Rebecca and we’ve just started working with Chantelle Marquez as well, who is great and has massive potential. We are about to release a Hip-Hop EP called City Life with Strizzy Strauss & SunSun too which I’m really excited about.
Brew Beat takes place on Jubilee Square from 30 August – 1 September and is free to attend. Find out more via the Brew Beat website.
Playlist
Take a listen to our Brew Beat playlist to get a flavour of what you can expect from this year’s event.
