British Intelligence earn big gig

The band got the chance to play Leeds & Reading after uploading their track to BBC Essex Introducing

British Intelligence are preparing to play their biggest ever gig when they appear at the Reading & Leeds Festival.

The Essex rock-rap-funk outfit will play the BBC Introducing stages at both venues on the weekend of 28-30 August.

The band were put forward by the BBC Essex Introducing programme after they had submitted their track 'Telepathy' via the BBC Uploader.

"It is a little bit surreal, but a good surreal if that makes any sense," the band's DJ Danny Bounce told BBC Essex.

Despite their chance to play in front of thousands of new fans at the end of the month, they are keen to keep their feet on the ground and remain loyal to their Essex fan base.

"We're actually going to be playing at Reading and then we're going to travel back to good old Chelmsford to play at the Barhouse," said Danny.

"It's going to be a tall order, but we're willing to do it because our local following is our most important following to us."

The six-piece, who hail from all across the county, list Iron Maiden, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Frank Zappa, John Williams and Snoop Dog as some of their influences.