PRESS RELEASE

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Following the phenomenal success of last year’s event which drew crowds of around 7000 people, Tunbridge Wells based singer/songwriter Paul Dunton will be staging ’Local & Live’ 2009 once again on the Pantiles Bandstand over the late August bank holiday weekend (28th -31st).

This year’s event is expected to attract even larger audiences and will feature 50 leading local musical acts performing their own material over four days. This superb free festival offers unrivalled variety and a standard of song writing and musicianship that is first class with Local & Live 2008 receiving rave reviews including a glowing commendation from Gregg Clarke MP who has agreed to officially open this year”s event in addition to The Mayor elect; Cllr Leonard Price. This was added to by an enthusiastic endorsement from the Courier Newspaper who is now Local & Live”s official media sponsor and backed up by over 5000 signatures and gestures of good will from the local community. who attended the event. Even more impressive is the fact that the event attracted sponsorship from over 26 local businesses’ and Mobile communications giant 02, which adds to the view that ’Local & Live’ is Tunbridge Wells’ premier musical event.

Whilst a headline sponsor has yet to be confirmed, Paul says ’Local & Live will definitely be going ahead and we are currently in talks with several businesses with regards to securing a headline sponsor. We are seeking additional sponsorship for this year’s event, however I am delighted to say many local businesses have already pledged donations, the response has been fantastic’

’I am pleased to announce that KMFM are now the official Radio sponsor for the 2009 event and will be covering Local & Live in the build up to the event and during the weekend itself. This partnership will also enable many acts performing at the festival to attain radio airplay ’

Additional support and sponsorship has once again come from Tunbridge Wells based company; INSAFE LTD, Pantiles owners; TARGET FOLLOW and Tonbridge based MCM NET LTD. All three businesses have been integral to the success of Local & Live over the last two years, with INSAFE LTD and TARGET FOLLOW providing much needed sponsorship, marketing and organizational support along MCM NET LTD who built the events website free of charge and continue to maintain the site year upon year.

Much of this also rests on the hard work of Local & Live’s founder; Paul Dunton who has been instrumental in developing the towns ’original acoustic scene’ following his highly successful shows at The Grey Lady Music Lounge (situated on the Pantiles) on Wednesday & Sunday nights. ’An Evening with Paul Dunton & Guests’ is now considered one of the most eclectic and professionally run acoustic shows in the UK with 130 local acts performing on a rotational basis. Paul brings the same professionalism and talent to Local & Live and outlines his vision for the event and local original music:-

’’Local & Live is a free musical event to be enjoyed by the local community in the enchanting and historic setting of The Pantiles. My passion is local, original acoustic music and through my weekly shows at The Grey Lady Music Lounge and this annual musical extravaganza, I am endeavouring to raise awareness of the undoubted creative musical talent that resides in the local area. With a multitude of musical genres and styles on display, there is something for everyone’s musical taste buds!’’ ’The festival is also dedicated to the memory of Ollie Nicholls who tragically died in a car accident in March of last year. Ollie was right at the hub of the local music scene, which we built together. Ollie was a brilliant musician, singer/songwriter, record producer and sound technician. The Local & Live 2009 compilation CD will feature one track from each of the 50 acts performing at this years event and several tracks from Ollie’s debut solo Album which was released earlier this year’’ said Paul.

Headline Acts announced!

LITLLE FISH BIG POND (Friday 28th 9.50pm)

THE VARLIES (Saturday 29th 9.50pm)

TOM WILLIAMS & THE BOAT (Sunday 30th 9.20pm)

CYRANO (Monday 31st 9.50pm)

Paul Says “I am delighted to say that this years headline acts include Tom Williams & The Boat who continue to make giant strides in the music industry, attaining regular airplay on BBC Radio 1 & 2 and performing at Radio One’s Big weekend last year. Another headline act is The Varlies who are arguably the most well known band in Tunbridge Wells and have been performing in and around the town over the last 15 years; they always go down a storm at Local & Live.” Two other very established bands on the local scene; Cyrano and Little Fish Big Pond are also set to headline. Paul continues “ Little Fish Big Pond have established themselves as one of the leading 4 piece bands locally, their upbeat and vibrant style will bring proceedings to a climatic close on Day 1. Cyrano’s song writing is both edgy and melodic. Their anthemic style is full of atmosphere and energy. They will round things off in style on day 4 and leave the thousands present wanting more!”

For a full line up of bands playing throughout the weekend, visit the official festival website: www.localandlive.org.

“Local & Live is a absolutely fantastic event. It brings the whole community together and the atmosphere is wonderful. Local & Live is a supremely organized and professional event. Paul Dunton is dedicated to showcasing and developing local talent, the music is excellent.” Greg Clark MP.

If you are a business or individual interested in sponsoring Local & Live 2009, please contact Virginia King, a member of the Local & Live organisation team who is overseeing this side of the event on 01892 557071 or email: mailto:virginia.king@insafe.co.uk

ENDS

For more information or to request interviews, please contact:

Paul Dunton, festival organiser

07786 547 265 paul@pauldunton.co.uk