As ever the "official" festival web site has a wealth of information - gigs, events, exhibitions, talks - for LAST years 2008 festival !
http://www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk/

I've begun my annual trawl through Google and MySpace for 2009 festival gigs. All I've come up with so far is Bellowhead, opening the programme at The Guildhall on Saturday 12th September. Pretty good band so I've heard, so may check them out, depending on the ticket price.

My guess is that the rest of the Guildhall programme will be the usual solid if slightly dull mixture of blues, folkies and trib. bands. If it was up to me and if I had the money right now I'd be booking Lacuna Coil, Killswitch Engage and Chimaira - but it isn't and I don't. The chances of the promoters putting anything on for young people (and sad middle aged metalheads like myself) remain slim.

I spoke to Bob Devereux a couple of days ago and Poetry In The Square will be going ahead as usual. He may be away for the first week of the festival so guest comperes may be required including my great friends Rod Bullimore and Anna Chen.
http://www.rogues-bard.com/
http://www.annachen.co.uk/

The Festival Committee will probably hold back until their "big splash" programme release in the spring. No doubt hoping that they can secure some last-minute groundbreaking big acts such as Rolf Harris or Rod Hull and Emu.

I'll keep the OneStIves festival page updated as I discover more gigs. If you know of any planned gigs or events let me know.

http://www.onestives.co.uk/Entertainment/entertainmentfestival.html

Steve  

--Last edited by stevestives on 2008-12-22 11:59:34 --

Hi Steve

I'd like to know how to get bands on at September Festival, from what I can see already it's mostly folky blues type stuff but nothing for Indie bands.

If anyone knows who the contact is then please let me know at carly.m@identica.com or carly@fillthevoidrecords.com.  The band I want to get on somewhere are www.slashedseataffair.com or www.myspace.com/slashedseataffair


Any info would be much appreciated!
Drekly

Carly x

Hi Carly.

Sorry for the (very) belated reply.

On the whole you won't get far by approaching the festival committee. In fact they don't even put contact details on their website:
http://www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk/

There are sometimes a few support slots for the main bands at The Guildhall but these always go to local festival "insiders".

Your best bet is to approach the smaller venues who book their own acts. Do so early in the New Year as most of them start putting their programme together early.

Western Hotel
http://www.westernhotel-stives.co.uk/

Queens Hotel
http://www.queensstives.co.uk/

Crow Rooms
http://www.thecrowrooms.co.uk/

Lifeboat Inn
http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/content/view/317/231/

Golden Lion
01736 793 679

As I'm sure you know these venues get loads of suggestions for gigs and demos so check them out first and make your pitch accordingly.

Hope this helps.