To celebrate Radio 2 in the Park 2024, Jo Whiley will broadcast her evening show live from The Ferret in Preston on 5th September. This special event will feature performances from local bands hand-picked by BBC Introducing.
The live show will also be simulcast on BBC Radio Lancashire, offering listeners an opportunity to experience the excitement of the event. The night promises to be a vibrant celebration of local talent.
Jo Whiley’s Exciting Broadcast
Celebrating the upcoming Radio 2 in the Park 2024 in Preston, Jo Whiley is set to broadcast her evening show live on 5th September from The Ferret. This legendary music venue will host the event from 7-9pm, featuring performances by three local bands. This unique show will be simulcast on BBC Radio Lancashire with William Wolstenholme, the BBC Introducing presenter, co-hosting the event.
The Ferret, nestled in the heart of Lancashire’s music scene, promises an intimate setting for this special broadcast. Attendees will experience the vibrant energy of live performances, hand-picked from BBC Introducing’s roster of artists. According to Jo Whiley, there’s a thrill in launching the new BBC Introducing segment, offering a platform for emerging talent.
A Showcase of Local Talent
Among the performers will be Bryony Jarman-Pinto, a Lancashire-based singer-songwriter known for her fusion of jazz, soul, and folk. Lowes, an electronic-pop trio from Lancaster, will also perform. The trio comprises Preston-born vocalist Evie Plumb and multi-instrumentalists Luke Paget and Jamie Walker. Additionally, Blackpool indie-boyband VALA, who will soon commence their first UK tour, will take the stage.
Bryony Jarman-Pinto’s recent album has garnered acclaim from Lauren Laverne and Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 6 Music. Meanwhile, Lowes previously won a Radio 1 Dance Vocalist Award. VALA has previously headlined Manchester’s Deaf Institute and YES Pink Room, adding to their growing popularity. These artists represent a diverse range of musical styles, epitomising the rich talent emerging from Lancashire.
Engaging the Audience
The broadcast will offer a small audience the chance to witness the show live at The Ferret. Tickets will be available through a ballot, ensuring a fair opportunity for participation. The venue’s intimate atmosphere will enhance the experience, allowing for a more personal connection between the artists and the audience.
Jo Whiley’s live broadcast will serve as a prelude to the main festival events in Moor Park. This warm-up show not only highlights the talents of local artists but also sets the stage for an exciting weekend of music.
The Role of BBC Introducing
A new segment, the Spotlight BBC Introducing Act, will debut during Jo Whiley’s show. This initiative aims to spotlight emerging artists, providing them with a broader audience on Radio 2. Jo Whiley expressed enthusiasm about supporting new artists, stating, “There’s nothing more satisfying than watching a new artist’s journey to success.”
BBC Introducing has a long-standing commitment to supporting unsigned, undiscovered, and under-the-radar talent across the UK. With over a million tracks uploaded and 300,000 artists registered, it plays a crucial role in bringing new music to the public’s attention.
Preston’s Vibrant Music Scene
Preston has a rich music heritage, and events like Radio 2 in the Park help to underline the city’s significant contribution to the UK’s musical landscape. The upcoming festival will feature iconic acts such as Sting, who will headline on Saturday night, and the Pet Shop Boys, topping the bill for Sunday night. The inclusion of a DJ stage adds further diversity to the event.
The addition of a Pre-Party on 6th September will see Radio 2 presenters entertain a crowd of 5,000 attendees. This vibrant start to the weekend will set the tone for the performances to follow.
Live Broadcasts and On-Demand Viewing
During the main festival, Radio 2 presenters will broadcast live from an on-site studio overlooking the crowd, with shows also available on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer. This ensures that the performances reach a wider audience beyond those present at Moor Park.
Previously, Radio 2 in the Park introduced a DJ stage, allowing presenters to engage the audience with curated sets. This innovation, coupled with the festival’s live broadcasts, enhances the overall experience for attendees and remote viewers alike.
Continued Support for Emerging Artists
BBC Introducing continues to play a pivotal role in the UK’s music industry. With 23 shows across BBC Radio and additional national shows on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra, Asian Network, and 6 Music, it offers extensive coverage for new artists.
William Wolstenholme presents BBC Introducing on BBC Radio Lancashire every Thursday and Saturday, providing a platform for local talent. These shows are instrumental in uncovering and promoting new music within the region.
Jo Whiley’s live broadcast from The Ferret is poised to be a memorable event, showcasing the best of Lancashire’s emerging musical talent. This initiative not only celebrates local artists but also strengthens the connection between the community and the broader UK music scene.