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.

Radio 1 Live Lounge month

/ James Fenney

Live_Lounge

Throughout September Radio 1 will be broadcasting daily Live Lounge sessions from both big name bands and up-and-coming new artists. Generally live lounges consist of artists performing one song and one often surprising cover, but given the scale of the coming month’s endeavour and the strength of the line up I’m sure a few surprises are in store. Clara Amfo will host the weekday sessions and Alice Levine will host the weekend sessions. Continue reading →

Fearne Cotton leaves BBC Radio 1

/ James Fenney

fearne_cotton

BBC Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton has broadcast her final show after ten years at the station. Her mid-morning show, which features the much loved Live Lounge segment, will be taken over by Clara Amfo. Fearne, leaving the station in order to spend more time with her family, received numerous thank you messages from the likes of Dave Grohl, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and Ed Sheeran, as well as special dedicated performances from Coldplay, Kodaline and James Bay. It’s seems that Radio 1 is going through a rough patch, losing another presenter after Zane Lowe’s departure in March.