The Wristband Song. (1 min read)

Back in 2016 the legendary singer/songwriter Paul Simon released a song named ‘Wristband’ from his album ‘Stranger to Stranger’. It made us chuckle thinking how wristbands have become very much part of the psyche in todays events, leisure and entertainment space.

You just need to look around you at festivals and gigs to see that they have become very collectible mementoes and keepsakes, proudly displayed on the arms of people of all ages. It proudly says ‘I was there!’

The song itself tells the story of a musician going outside for a smoke and the stage door clicks behind him and is then unable to gain access back into his own gig because he wasn’t wearing the wristband.

Of course security and crowd control is all- important and wristbands serve this purpose brilliantly.

But if you haven’t yet had a listen to Paul Simon’s Wristband song get on You Tube, Spotify or wherever and let it put a smile on your face.

Eurovision (1 min read)

So when we booked the overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam at the start of our journey down to Meribel in the French Alps via the Geneva Car Show, we were kind of looking forward to a decent voyage. We had no idea however, that we had booked on a pre-planned P and O themed night cruise, this particular one being Eurovision!

Anyway, this got me thinking about the whole Eurovision phenomenon. The 2019 event will be held in Tel Aviv in May and it will be the 64thcontest … yes you read correctly, the 64th!!!

As a UK citizen I have come to accept that the chances of us winning again are pretty slim unless perhaps Ed Sheeran or Adele represent us, as has been suggested by some, as the only possible way of us getting placed at all. But it is Eurovision and not UK vision so we just have to get over ourselves. For viewers in the UK we had been accustomed for many years of hearing the dry wit commentary from the late Sir Terry Wogan. That in itself was worth tuning in for, never mind the music. I have to say that the current host Graham Norton is doing not too bad a job either and showing a similar irreverence. The LGBTQ community have really latched on to Eurovision, making it their own and making it part of their calendar as is the many Pride events held throughout Europe. The 2018 Eurovision attracted 186 million viewers making it still the world’s biggest live music event. Think of it what you will, but Eurovision can still be an entertaining show if only to look at the costumes and stage acts and listen to the various presenters from the different countries make an attempt to be funny (but often fail) or to take bets which country will help out which neighbour with maximum marks even when the actual song was an earworm for all the wrong reasons! But that’s all part of the Eurovision experience and why people love it.

Top 5 big festivals

5 BIG Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss This Year

Summer 2019 is fast approaching which means its almost time for the festival season. The UK holds some of the best festivals in the world, there’s no lack of choice for the music fans! Here’s some of our top picks to watch out for this year…

 

GLASTONBURY:

Get ready for it! Glastonbury is kicking up a storm this year with the likes of The Killers, The Cure and Stormzy performing. 

When? June 26th-30th

Where? Worthy Farm

CREAMFIELDS:

Blasting out the biggest tunes from the world of EDM and dance music

When? August 22th-25th

Where? Daresbury, Cheshire

WIRELESS:

Kicking off the summer with the biggest party in London, Cardi B and Migos are just a few of the headliners set to take the stage this year.

When? July 5th – 7th 

Where? Finsbury Park 

ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL

Bringing 90000 music fans to the Isle of Wight each year, this is one of the longest running music festivals in the UK! 

When? 13th– 16th June

Where? Isle of Wight 

LEEDS FESTIVAL 

Once again, the epic Leeds Festival returns this August bank holiday weekend! Post Malone, Foo Fighters and The 1975 are just some of the main acts hitting the stage this year. 

When? 23rd– 25th August 

 Where? Bramham Park

Looking at organising your own festival? Check out our latest festival wristbands.