Norwich's Hot City Sounds 2009

Sargasso Trio played at Hot City Sounds 2008 in Norwich

Fresh from 2008, Hot City Sounds appears again in Norwich from Friday, 3 July until Saturday, 11 July, 2009.

BBC Norfolk Introducing will ensure you hear what's happening and this time there's the first ever BBC Norfolk Music Video Festival to go with it.

"Blues and jazz sessions will sit alongside indie, acoustic and metal gigs," said Kingsley Harris, organiser of the event.

The expanded event will showcase 130 bands and artists over nine days.

The Brickmakers, B2, the Norwich Arts Centre, The Forum Curve, The Marquee, The Waterfront, Bedford's Crypt and Chapelfield Gardens have all signed up as venues for 2009 and the opening night has The Kabeedies and Le Tetsuo making a return to Hot City Sounds.

BBC Norfolk Introducing

The full line-up and details of the 2009 festival have been revealed through the Hot City Sounds Myspace and through Kingsley Harris' interview with BBC Norfolk Introducing.

The Kabeedies are performing at the 2009 festival

"BBC Norfolk Introducing went to the 2008 gigs and put on a special three-hour radio programme to give those who couldn't get to the gigs a chance to feel part of the festival," said Gary Standley, BBC Norfolk Introducing producer.

"We are doing the same again at the opening and closing events in 2009 and we hope that those who listened last year will be tempted to see the bands this time around," he added.

BBC Norfolk Introducing will broadcast live from its opening event at the Norwich Arts Centre on Friday, 3 July, as well as from the BBC Norfolk Introducing Stage in Chapelfield Gardens on the closing Saturday, 11 July, 2009.

"The Saturday gig will happen during the afternoon of the Lord Mayor's procession. Thousands of people will be in the city and what a great chance to show just how good local music can be," said Gary.

Two bands playing the BBC Norfolk Introducing Stage are Blighters and The Barlights.

"Blighters have songs of real quality to match a stage swagger that comes through self belief in their music and The Barlights have an on-stage energy alongside catchy tunes," said Gary.

"It's not surprising they've both developed loyal and passionate fans who go and see them wherever they play," he added.

In 2008, the Hot City Sounds hosted more than 40 bands in nine days, with most appearing at the B2 on Sprowston Road in Norwich. Local bands such as The Kabeedies, The Lost Levels, Bearsuit, Violet Violet and Le Tetsuo all took part.

BBC Norfolk Music Video Festival

The BBC Norfolk Music Video Festival, part of Hot City Sounds, is a new and unique music video showcase that runs alongside the main festival, starting from Monday, 29 June, 2009.

"We have booked Fusion at The Forum for the two weeks and will showcase videos alongside photo sets and interviews with local acts," said Gary.

The Barlights video will be shown, created by Norwich's Lambda films

"Fusion is a new space at The Forum, Norwich, that contains a giant digital projection screen that is free to the public, six days a week.

"Acts, such as The Barlights, will get the chance to share their music and creative ideas with thousands of people during the Hot City Sounds festival.

"It will be one of the very few music video festivals in the country and we have many more lined up for the future."

BBC Norfolk Introducing is also teaming up with the Big Screen at Chapelfield Plain, Norwich, to display some of the videos and films from local bands, as part of the video festival.

"We have been waiting to use the screens for a music event like this for some time," said Becky Betts, Big Screen producer.

"There is so much quality local music being made and many people are unaware of just how good it is. The Big Screen will hopefully bring the sounds of Norfolk to a new audience and make Hot City Sounds even more special," she added.

Hot City Sounds 2009 takes place at various venues across Norwich from Friday, 3 July until Saturday, 11 July, 2009.

The BBC Norfolk Music Video Festival 2009 will display videos at Fusion in The Forum, Norwich, and at the Big Screen, Chapelfield Plain, Norwich, between Monday, 29 June - Saturday, 11 July, 2009.

If you have a video you'd like to be considered for the Norfolk Music Video Festival, leave a message on the BBC Norfolk Introducing Myspace site.

Alternatively, send an e-mail to BBC Norfolk Introducing.

Listen to BBC Norfolk Introducing every Friday at 7pm on BBC Radio Norfolk for regular Hot City Sounds and BBC Norfolk Music Video Festival updates.