Hot City Sounds festival recap

The Kabeedies headlined the first gig of Hot City Sounds 2009

BBC Norfolk Introducing celebrated Hot City Sounds 2009 in Norwich with two extended three hour programmes on Friday, 3 and Friday, 10 July.

The show also staged two gigs at The Curve in The Forum and at Chapelfield Gardens, with the latter also part of the city's Lord Mayor's Celebrations.

The nine day festival showcased up-and-coming acts with 130 bands playing.

"The festival produced top music in unexpected places," said Gary Standley, producer of BBC Norfolk Introducing.

Music from some of the bands playing at Hot City Sounds was featured in the first extended Introducing programme, including a live set from Alex Hill and two songs from The Kabeedies, one of which was new and exclusive.

Opening gig

The Kabeedies went on to headline the first gig of Hot City Sounds which took place at Norwich Arts Centre on Friday, 3 July, 2009.

Throughout the three hour programme, Katherine Nash reported back live with updates on the atmosphere at the venue.

Bambi Get Over It discuss their music
Bearsuit discuss their music
Cold Hands discuss their music

Rich from Sennen was also invited into the studio during the show and listeners heard reports on some of the bands featuring in Hot City Sounds including Scraps, Hair Traffic Control and Kunk.

On Saturday, 4 July, 2009, the Norwich Arts Centre saw a strong performance from The Sargasso Trio and an immense first ever headlining gig from an excited Ed Sheeran.

The 18-year-old showed just why he was winner of 2008's Next Big Thing, with a range of beautiful songs pushed out with sincerity and power.

Hair Traffic Control discuss their music
Hasikari Smile discuss their music
Into Flight discuss their music

Using two microphones, one linked to a loop pedal, the youngster sounded like he was performing with a full band.

The highlight of the night was Ed unplugging his guitar, jumping into the audience and playing like he was with friends at a party. A magical moment from a performer with a real future ahead of him.

Captured on radio

On Friday, 10 July, 2009, BBC Norfolk Introducing captured on radio all the live action from a special gig at The Curve in The Forum.

Featuring I Am Error, Rory McVicar, Indie Girls, Jess Morgan and The Lost Levels, the gig was broadcast live in an intimate setting.

Magpied discuss their music
Blighters discuss their music
The Great Shakes discuss their music
The Neutrinos discuss their music

The Barlights performed on the BBC Norfolk Introducing Stage

On Saturday, 11 July, 2009, BBC Norfolk Introducing presented live to a Norwich crowd at a free gig in Chapelfield Gardens, as part of Norwich City Council's Lord Mayor's Celebrations.

Performances saw the likes of The Barlights, Blighters, Vegas Fame Index and Sean Seraphim grace the stage to an enthusiastic audience with lights, guitars, dancers and kilts.

"It was fantastic to see so many people just sitting down and enjoying the talent on offer," said Jack Dearlove, presenter of BBC Norfolk Introducing.

"It was a real highlight and something quite special that you can't always see on your doorstep. Roll on next year!" he added.

Hot City Sounds 2009 took place in Norwich from Friday, 3 July - Saturday, 11 July, 2009.