Somewhere here, squirrelled away at the bottom of a cardboard box that is itself hidden under a pile of similarly nondescript brown cubes, there is a copy of Razorlight's debut album. I mention this as, try as I might not to reference the Johnny Borrell-sized elephant in the room, from the first I heard of Portsmouth's latest one-day festival, one song from that album keeps appearing at the back of my brain. And yes, I realise by telling you this I've no doubt provided you with a similarly plaguing earworm.
Sorry.
Golden Touch Festival (you're humming it already aren't you?) is a new indoor event from the folks at Fitz Promotions, a two-stage event showcasing some of the best up-and-coming musical talent from the South Coast and further afield, which boasts a hand-picked selection of acts; from bands championed by the likes of BBC 6Music's Steve Lamacq & Huw Stephens to one who recently supported Bastille, all will perform across both stages at The Wedgewood Rooms and the Edge of The Wedge next weekend.
The line-up features psych-rock courtesy of London's Beach for Tiger, indie-rock from Wedgewood Rooms Showcase 2018 winners Brother Deep and Portsmouth's own Crystal Tides, singer-songwriters Casey Lowry & Ulysses Wells, Sheffield four-piece Oddity Road and a Macclesfield take on indie pop from Cassia. Tom Lumley & The Brave Liaison and The White Lakes bring the sound of Oxbridge, joining Guildford rock foursome Cascade, Blithe, High on Neon, Submariner, Kings & Castles and local lads Neverman on the bill.
Golden Touch Festival kicks off at 1330 next Saturday, 29th June, and tickets for this sonic smörgåsbord are a mere £10 (available in advance from the venue). Now, how do I get rid of a Razorlight earworm? Answers on a postcard please to the usual address.
Winchester's festival-in-a-day Winchestival returns for a third outing this June, descending once again on the city's North Walls for 12 hours of music, food and fun. The organisers have this week released details of the initial line-up and, it's safe to say, there's something here for everyone at this family friendly festival.
The Gannon-Stoddard Family Singers (aka The Magic Numbers) headline the Main Stage, with Reading's Only The Poets, Southampton four-piece Submariner and the Isle of Wight's Lauran Hibberd also on the bill. Joining them are indie pop duo Deco and, opening proceedings, Osborne School's rock choir, Rubik's Cube, with further acts TBA.
BBC Introducing Solent host the second stage this year, with a line-up featuring Southampton acts Bash! and Mystic Peach, south coast Beach Punks Remainders, the utterly mesmerising Bruch and, from Swanage, Galaxy Thief. For those who like to get their groove on there's a Disco Tent although, for my money, the Auntie Beeb's line-up looks the one to watch.
Winchestival 2019 takes place on Saturday 15th June, with advance tickets available now via EventBrite priced at £25 for adults, £13 for ages 5-17 and those under 5 getting in for FREE!
