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Next Big Thing 2009 Launches!

New and emerging bands and musicians from the East of England are invited to enter ‘The Next Big Thing 6’ and be in with an opportunity of winning a recording contract, studio time, £1,000 cash and a chance to headline at the UEA in Norwich.

‘The Next Big Thing 6’ is organised by Future Radio and sponsored by the Think Norfolk Partnership with the Eastern Daily Press as the media sponsor.

Future Radio Station Manager, Tom Buckham, said: “The Next Big Thing has established itself over the past five years as the best up and coming music competition in the Eastern region, with a track record of previous winners that speaks for itself. Last year’s winner, Ed Sheeran, has just been signed by Island Records, which speaks volumes of the ability of the competition to unearth talented musicians from the area.”

The 2009 competition has just been launched and entries are invited before the 26^th September. This year’s new principal sponsors are the Think Norfolk Partnership.

Guy McCurley, Chairman of Think Norfolk’s publicity group, said: “We are delighted to be associated with such a well known and popular competition that has a history of finding raw musical talent, and presents a creative and positive initiative for young people. It's an incredibly popular competition, and we're delighted to be working with Future Radio and the EDP to promote our safe driving messages to young people at the many music venues in Norfolk."

“We have been involved with the Next Big Thing since it started six years ago and we are delighted to continue to support a competition that has become the event of the year for many of the county's aspiring musicians and up and coming bands.

"Over the years, it has helped to uncover some wonderfully talented acts in Norfolk and in fact, Ed’s recent signing with the mighty Island Records illustrates its success as discovering genuine new talent. We can't wait to hear this year's contenders to be the next Big Thing, and wish every contestant all the best in their efforts to be crowned the winner." added EDP Editor, Peter Waters.

All entries will be showcased on the Future Radio website and the chosen semi-finalists and finalists will be judged by a panel of music industry experts.

Twelve lucky entrants will be selected and go through to the semi-finals at The Brickmakers B2 Venue on the 18^th and 25^th October.

The finalists will go through to the grand final at the UEA on the 8^th November and face an audience of hundreds - and the judges who will make the final big decision!

There are three ways for bands or talented musicians to enter:

Visit www.futureradio.co.uk/nextbigthing and use our online entry system.
Or email info@futureradio.co.uk with two original songs, a band biography and a photo which can be used on our website.
Or post a CD, bio and digital picture to: The Next Big Thing, Future Radio, 168B Motum Road, Norwich NR5 8EG

by Admin

Norwich Pride Photos

Norwich was transformed by a vibrant, colourfull and peacefull procession through the city centre.

Click Here to see the photos.

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Support Community Radio - Online Petition

Join all the voices in support of Community Radio!

On 20 July 2009, in an Open Letter to the Prime Minister, community radio leaders, media scholars and experts, including 60 community radio stations, called for a fair settlement for community radio including a sizeable increase in the Community Radio Fund, which currently stands at only £500,000 per year to support over 150 stations across the UK!

Now you can add your voice to their call by signing a petition to try and increase the community radio fund and support community radio across the UK.

to sign the petition head here - http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/allthevoices/

And Tell Your Friends!

For updates on the campign you can also follow: www.twitter.com/allthevoices