BLYTH TALL SHIPS: Regatta call for local musicians

Musicians are being given the chance to take centre at one of the biggest events planned for Northumberland.
The Tall Ships Regatta is coming to Blyth.The Tall Ships Regatta is coming to Blyth.
The Tall Ships Regatta is coming to Blyth.

The North Sea Tall Ships Regatta Blyth 2016 is taking place over the August Bank Holiday and will feature five zones of free family entertainment, including music and theatre.

Four stages are being programmed with entertainment at venues across the town and organisers want to hear from Northumberland musicians who think they might fit the bill.

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If successful, acts will have the chance to play in front of audiences at the Regatta, which is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Blyth over four days.

The main entertainment areas featuring music will be the larger Dun Cow Quay and Market Place stages, with the beach amphitheatre and bandstand providing smaller alternatives.

The beach amphitheatre location will have seating on a grass bank, a small stage and PA, and will feature music and theatre programming aimed at a predominately young family audience.

The Bandstand will offer a venue with a traditional seaside feel with hundreds of deckchairs for visitors. Organisers want to hear from choirs, brass bands and smaller bands looking to play this space.

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Acts wishing to be considered should submit an application form including details of performers and experience, length of set and sound requirements.

There are also opportunities for buskers – solo artists and duos – to play up to 30-minute slots at designated spots across the event from the beach and park to the town centre and quayside.

Northumberland County Council, in partnership with the Port of Blyth and Sail Training International, is hosting the prestigious Regatta, with Fergusons of Blyth confirmed as the principal sponsor.

Coun Val Tyler, cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “We would like local musicians from across the county to get on board the Tall Ships Regatta and help make this a fabulous festival of Northumberland culture.

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“The four main stages will provide a range of music and entertainment so this is a fantastic opportunity for solo artists and groups to apply to play and entertain an international audience.”

To apply, acts should complete the application form at www.tallshipsblyth2016.com

The deadline for applications is 9am on Tuesday, May 3.

Martin Lawlor, chief executive, Port of Blyth, said: “Music will be a major part of the Regatta and there are some excellent opportunities for local musicians with four days of entertainment being programmed across the Port and town.

“This is the final call for acts who want to submit a proposal to play at the Tall Ships Regatta so please do get your applications in now.”

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Organisers plan to install five busking points across the site. Busking performances will be unpaid but authorised buskers will be able to busk and collect. Each busker will be allocated timed slots up to 30 minutes long.

All applicants to the call for players will be notified of the outcome by the middle of May.

The North Sea Tall Ships Regatta at Blyth will welcome up to 30 ships and crews from across the world.

For more information about the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta Blyth 2016, visit www.facebook.com/tallshipsblyth2016 or on Twitter @TallShipsBlyth or email [email protected]

For further information on Sail Training International, visit www.sailtraininginternational.org