In Anticipation: Festival Director John Helps

Filed Under: News

Another instalment of our investigations in to what our team are particularly looking forward to over the weekend, this time with Festival Director John Helps.

I don’t think i’m really allowed to pick favourites- everyone on the bill is brilliant and special to me in some way - but some of the moments i’m looking forward to on a personal level are as follows. I’ve chosen way too many, haven’t i?

And So I Watch You From Afar - One of the best live bands in the world. I’ve been trying to bring them back to Leicester for about six years, so i’m very pleased they’re finally here.

Grace Petrie - Brilliant, vital, important and just about the best human being you’ll meet.

Her Name Is Calla - One of our favourite bands resound tracking a film. Ambitious and undoubtedly brilliant.

Peter Wyeth - A local treasure - exceptional in every respect. Having him play in the guildhall should be spectacular.

The Whole BSM / Alcopop Stage - I can’t choose here. Two of my favourite record labels combined. I’m too excited for words.

Haiku Salut - Quirky, Folky, Francophillic brilliance via Derby.

Katie Malco - She made my favourite record of last year. Heartbreakingly delicate. Her set in Bishop Street last year was so lovely I had to get her to repeat it.

Dan Nicholas’s Conversation Garden - Some of the best comedy Leicester has produced. Bizarre and uncomfortable.

Speaking In Italics - One of the long standing highlights of Leicester’s musical output. Finally making waves beyond the city and still and exciting as they’ve ever been.

Waking Aida - Southampton’s Waking Aida are one of my favourite instrumental bands of the moment. Very excited for their set on Sunday.

Dry The River - Who could close the festival better? I’m far too excited for their set on Sunday night, not least because it marks the point that i can stop panicking.

The Silent Disco After Party - Absolute madness, but this is how i’ll be seeing out the weekend.