bbc radio 1

Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2016

/ James Fenney

radio-1-big-weekend-exeter

Now in it’s thirteenth year, the BBC’s very own music festival this year took to Powderham Castle in Exeter to showcase the best of British as well as some of the hottest acts from across the globe. Joining the headliners Mumford & Sons and Coldplay were a few Belwood favourites including Catfish & the Bottlemen, Jack Garratt and reigning best band Wolf Alice. The weekend also included a dazzling set from aussie psychedelics Tame Impala, new music from indie folk hero Jake Bugg and a blistering performance from Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro. Naturally there a always a few questionable acts, and the “In new music we trust” stage consisted almost entirely of established artists, but overall the weekend was a rousing success. Full performances from across the weekend are available on iplayer.

Zane Lowe leaves BBC Radio 1

/ James Fenney

zane lowe

The New Zealand born radio DJ Zane Lowe has finished his final show on Radio 1. He has hosted his evening slot since 2003 but will now go on to work in an undisclosed role at Apple and be replaced by Annie Mac. Zane was a champion of new, upcoming bands and artists and has played a pivotal part in many acts making it big. The hashtag #thankszane trended on Twitter and included comments from Arctic Monkeys, The Black Keys, The National, Biffy Clyro and Jamie T.