COVENTRY Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
Godiva Calling
When it comes to the city’s very own festival it’s wonderful that so many local acts want to play it and even better to see many of these acts actually getting to perform at Coventry Godiva Festival.
I get asked all the time by artists: “How do I get on the Godiva bill?”
Well here is one great way to get there and be part of this amazing event, yes Godiva Calling is back.
Heats will be taking place at venues across the city in April, May and June.
The venues are Millsy’s, Coventry Caribbean Centre, The Tin Music and Arts, The Arches Music Venue and Castle Grounds.
The heats are divided into six categories: indie, urban, alternative, rock-metal, singer-songwriter and under 18s.
Bookings for the contests will be managed by the appropriate venues for each genre and the under 18s’ category will be managed by the Coventry Music Hub.
Andy Williams, director of business, investment and culture at Coventry City Council, said: “We’re blessed to have lots of talented artists in our city and we’re delighted we’re able to offer them the chance to win a slot at our city’s flagship festival.”
Sam McNulty, long-time organiser of Godiva Calling, is looking forward to seeing this year’s entries.
He said: “The festival always gives the local music scene a huge boost and Godiva Calling is the perfect way to get your talents noticed.
“I encourage everyone to enter and take advantage of this unique opportunity to play on the main stage of the UK’s biggest and best family festival.”
To apply for the competition, visit godivafestival.com/godivacalling where acts can find all the dates for this year’s heats and finals, plus all the entry requirements.
Tier three tickets are still available for Godiva Festival, with weekend tickets at just £25 and day tickets from £8. Premium tickets are also available at £55 per day. Visit godivafestival.com for tickets.
Festival goers can look forward to seeing The Enemy, Rudimental (DJ Set), Melanie C and much more over the Godiva Festival weekend, June 30 to July 2, in the city’s War Memorial Park.
For further news head to the festival website or follow Godiva Festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Godiva Festival is brought to you by Coventry City Council.
Congratulations Neville
Well done Neville Staple for winning the national music magazine Vive Le Rock Best Roots Artist Award.
Neville said of the award: “Wow! Thank you Vive Le Rock for my Best Roots Artist Award.
“I really appreciate it!
“Big thanks to Eugene, Guy and plus the event team, and to Midnight Mango Cleopatra Records, my brilliant fans, and my amazing bandmates, for all the years of support. ”
And a huge thanks to my rock, the person who is my reason, who has kept me loved up, strong and looked after, my wife, Sugary Staple (who is behind everything I now do). “Big love to you all.”
