In 2024 Peterborough Presents is celebrating 10 years of working with communities across the city to create great ‘art’. Mention the arts and people naturally think of galleries and theatres. For the last 10 years, arts organisation Peterborough Presents has been working with people from across the city to show that it is this and so much more. It can mean circuses, folk tales, street murals, poetry on the walls at the Lido, Zombie Walks at Diwali, being serenaded by violins whilst in a hot tub at Thorpe Meadows, going on magical history tours and creating lantern parades. It can mean carnivals at Millfield Festival, weekly craft groups or even doing up your local street with colourful planters. For their birthday, the Peterborough Presents team want to celebrate all the ways in which you can be creative and encourage you to get creative too. Their 10th birthday is as ambitious as ever! It kicks-off at Peterborough Celebrates Festival on 18th & 19th May at Ferry Meadows. Peterborough Presents will be taking over the ‘creative dome’. In there you can watch amazing carnival performances by Mandinga Arts or get involved in drawing and making sessions. Of course, there will be some party games too! Artist Rose Croft is currently working with groups from across the city to create colourful garlands and artworks from recycled materials that will decorate the Creative Dome. With funding from Arts Council England, Peterborough Presents has been working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Programme Director Sarah Haythornthwaite says “ There’s a lot of creativity in Peterborough and also energy to try something different. 10 years is a proper milestone too. Over those years we have had the pleasure, and honour, of working with specific neighbourhoods in the city to create projects alongside local residents. We don’t tell people what ‘arts’ they need." "We start by getting to know people, find out what inspires them, what's missing and then we create something together. It makes every project and every neighbourhood unique. We have seen people make new friends, learn new skills, even seen communities come together for the first time. They have looked at their neighbourhood in a different way and found creative ways to shout about something important to them. We’ve worked with some amazing established artists but have also helped to support some fabulous new ones too. Above all, we’ve had fun!” The birthday celebrations will continue throughout the year with community-led creative programmes in Millfield, Westwood, Eye, and beyond. Highlights include the Millfield Makers event in August, Eye Lantern Parade in November and film projects with young people in Westwood. You can expect some short films, podcasts and digital artwork released online too. Sarah continues “ The Peterborough Presents programme has provided thousands of people the opportunity to be part of creative activities over the last 10 years. We enjoy working closely with communities to co-produce our programme so that residents can experience art on their doorstep – projects that are relevant and fun!! A party isn’t a party unless others join us on the dance floor. So, we’re inviting you all to come and join us at Peterborough Celebrates and have a go at being a bit creative. ” Peterborough Presents is hosted by Nene Park Trust and supported by Metal, Peterborough City Council, Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services, Eastern Angles and Creative Lives. The programme is funded by Arts Council England.You can find out more about by visiting www.peterboroughpresents.org . To find out more about Peterborough Celebrates visit www.peterboroughcelebratesfestival.co.uk

Placing as much importance on the visual aspect as the music, Fältsånger strives to make each concert an experience, with unique opening films that draw the audience into their world before emerging from the shadows to blend into the psychedelic projections that flood the stage as the music blossoms. Fältsånger are perhaps best described as psychedelic electronica. Or maybe ambient space rock. Or even experimental muzak. Whatever the label, their music is uniquely their own. Coming from Warrington, the band appeared in 2023 with a few releases across streaming platforms and a small number of highly visual concerts at select venues. Believing in a "live is best" approach, the band rarely writes traditional songs, usually relying on fate to deliver songs through extended jams. Often these jams require an element of editing to bring them down to digestible lengths, although sometimes, as was the case with The Moon Shimmers With Secrets, a full album can appear entirely through live, and unedited, improvisation. Described recently as "the most innovative band around", their fans find them reminiscent of Tangerine Dream, The Orb, Herbie Hancock, Gong, Spaceheads, Ryksöpp, and even Manuel Göttsching, the band cites few of these as influences. No doubt if you are fans of these groups, Fältsånger could be well worth considering as an addition to your Spotify playlists. Alternatively, you could join the audience at Warrington's Pyramid Arts Centre, this Saturday. Sit back close your eyes and be whisked from the angst of the modern world. Fältsånger are looking to start making appearances further afield, but for now, to experience them you will have to travel to Warrington. Here is your link for tickets and further info' https://linktr.ee/faltsanger

Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Seraphim Film Productions are delighted to announce the release of Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire . London crime boss Mick Roman is deathly ill, and time is running out to find a successor. His only options are an aging consigliere or an impulsive enforcer, and neither are suitable to take the throne. Meanwhile, chaos reigns over the family who are coping with a paranoid ex-soldier, the return of a rebellious niece, and a drug-fuelled business meeting in Amsterdam. With deceit, ambition and infighting on the rise, this Roman empire may be about to fall. The British comedy crime-thriller, directed and written by Michael Head, will be in select UK Cinemas from 17th May. Gritty and unhinged in equal measure, Bermondsey Tales boasts a line-up of British stars including BAFTA-Nominee John Hannah (The Mummy), Frank Harper (Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels), Alan Ford (Snatch), Adam Deacon (Sumotherhood), Vas Blackwood (Lock Stock), Linda Robson, and Charlotte Kirk (Ocean’s Eight). Commenting on the UK release, director and writer Michael Head said; "' It was an honour to work with such a great cast on a story based on my family history. I am delighted to see it get a cinematic release and can't wait to share this with the UK audience and hope it does my family and South London proud" . Producer, Rohit Nathaniel, added; " This has been an incredible journey from discussing the script with Michael, to getting a fabulous cast and now producing this gangster comedy on the big screen for everyone to enjoy ". Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire will be in select UK Cinemas from 17th May, then DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download from 10th June

" Compelling and raw viewing " ★★★★ Movie Marker Kindred Pictures are thrilled to announce that their debut release, documentary Chasing Chasing Amy , will be coming to UK cinemas from 17th May. After celebrating its World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival, the film also screened to sold out showings at this year's BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival on 14th and 16th March. The documentary features interviews with Kevin Smith, as well as several of the Chasing Amy cast including Joey Lauren Adams, Guinevere Turner and Jason Lee. Chasing Chasing Amy explores the transformational impact of a ‘90s rom-com on a 12 year old kid from Kansas, coming of age and contending with queer identity. For young Sav Rodgers, the Kevin Smith cult classic, Chasing Amy, became a life raft. As Rodgers examines the film and its making as a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ cinema, he finds himself at a complicated crossroads. Originally from Kansas, Sav Rodgers is a filmmaker and screenwriter whose feature directorial debut CHASING CHASING AMY is about the complicated legacy of Chasing Amy (1997) and its profound impression on his life. The TED Talk he gave in 2018 kickstarted this filmmaking journey, and spurred the writing of scripts that center on highly specific, surprising stories about queer people. His screenplays have been recognized by GLAAD, Outfest, ScreenCraft, among others. An alumnus of the Producers Guild of America’s inaugural PGA Create program, Sav is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Transgender Film Center, a nonprofit aiming to help trans creators bring finished films to audiences around the world. Sav is a proud University of Kansas graduate and still sports KU baseball caps wherever he goes. Director, Sav Rodgers on releasing in the UK: " I'm beyond elated that Kindred Pictures and the Chasing Chasing Amy team are joining forces to bring our film to cinemas in the UK. We've been so fortunate to screen at amazing independent film festivals all over the world, including Tribeca, BFI Flare, and the London Film Festival. Our documentary is a sincere, heartfelt look about the the ways movies shape our lives, and bringing this film to big screen is a dream come true." 

North Walian Artist ' Mared ' aka Mared Williams has announced her New EP ' Better Late Than Never' released independently last week. Following on from the warmly received 'Lately' single which was a beautiful tribute to the Laurel Canyon Movement of the late sixties. A time when America woke up to the possibility of singer/song-writers, with people like Carole King. Splitting her time between rural Wales and London, Mared’s music results in an intriguing blend of folk infused soul-pop. Deeply connected to her roots in Welsh folk but always seeking to combine with a new pace in the city. Mared's debut bilingual album, 'Y Drefn' was awarded Welsh Album of The Year in 2021. Since then, Mared released her EP 'Something Worth Losing', in 2022, co-written with producer Nate Williams in Beaumaris and has been supported by Radio Wales' Welsh A list and BBC Radio Cymru and performed her originals with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and at Sony Hall in NYC. Mared’s solo gigs are intimate and powerful when she plays for herself, but in keeping with the enormous flexibility of her vocals, the full band set up of 7 friends has sold outand brought joy to venues such as (London): Pizza Express Holborn, Greennote Music, (Wales): Clwb Ifor Bach, Pontio and many more. Her name is already on summer festival line-ups, such as Focus Wales in Wrexham and the North American Festival of Wales in Pittsburg (Pennsylvania) and she’s looking forwards to growing her fanbase this year as new music is released. We are promised a full band live album, consisting of both released and unreleased songs, supported by BBC Horizons Launchpad. For more information on Mared's music both live and recorded please check out linktr.ee/MaredMusic

Impressive PR take over Brighton's Secret Comedy Club 42 Brighton Square, tomorrow to showcase music acts from all over the world. As part of The Great Escape, a festival for new music, showcasing 500 emerging artists from all over the world in 30+ walkable venues across the city and a pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach. It’s the first place to discover your new favourite artist and see them in an intimate setting before they go on to headline major festival stages. 12:00-12:25 Marissa Burwell (Canada) It doesn’t take long to get to know Marissa. In her blindingly personal work, Burwell writes about childhood, love, vertigo, and snow. With her captivating warm vocals and sharp prose, she effortlessly weaves an enchanting indie sound that flows between folk and rock, traversing sensuous melodies to exhilaratingly raucous moments. Hailing from the city of Regina, Saskatchewan, she made her remarkable debut with a self-titled EP in 2019. The overwhelmingly positive response to her EP opened doors to international opportunities and in 2022 Marissa proudly unveiled her debut full-length album, “Bittersweet”, which showcased her warm, summery voice and wry wit beneath its indie-folk exterior. She has graced the stage at renowned events like Hamburg’s Reeperbahn Festival, the New Colossus Festival in NYC, and multiple Canadian festivals including Breakout West, NXNE, Pop Montreal and SXSW. Burwell’s latest EP Either Way, released via Devil Duck Records features the clearest synthesis of Burwell’s spectrum of musical sensibilities yet with moments of warm musical tones featuring thick harmonies wrapped around guitars and gentle drumbeats while other moments showcase cathartic bursts of alternative rock, erupting in dizzying crescendos of hammering pianos. https://marissaburwell.com/ https://www.facebook.com/marissaburwellmusic 12:40 - 1:05 No Windows (Scotland) No Windows:The award-winning Edinburgh-based duo comprised of Verity Blossom (vocals/songwriting) and Morgan Morris (production/songwriting) fuse DIY, folk and classic pop on their second EP Point Nemo released on Fat Possum. Taking its name from the location farthest away from land in the world, the five track EP evokes wintry isolation, and marks a significant step forward for the duo, taking inspiration from the expansive sound-worlds of Elliott Smith and Cocteau Twins, their Scottish peers Cloth and Jacob Alon, and a shared musical curiosity that is all their own. The effortless musical chemistry comes from the tight relationship at its core as Verity and Morgan – now 19 and 18 – met as young teenagers at school in Edinburgh, after Morgan came across Verity – in the year above – who shared videos online of her singing. They quickly established a friendship and an artistic bond, with Verity adding her emotionally charged lyrics to Morgan’s bedroom recordings. https://fatpossum.com/collections/no-windows 1:20 - 1:45 HMS Morris (Wales) HMS Morris: are a bilingual, award-winning, female-fronted art-rock four-piece from Cardiff, Wales. Supported by the esteemed Bubblewrap Collective (Georgia Ruth, Boy Azooga, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzzard, Sweet Baboo), they've already released two critically acclaimed albums, Interior Design and Inspirational Talks, both Welsh Music Prize nominees and variously described as ‘Innovative, forward thinking pop music’ (Earthly Pleasures), ‘strange and beautiful music’ (Electronic Sound) and a 'multi-dimensional sound that traipses across hitherto unexplored regions of sound' (Clash)’. https://hmsmorris.com/ 2:00 - 2:25 Hotel Mira (Canada) Hotel Mira: is a Canadian alt-rock band who are fresh from a string of stellar shows at SXSW. The band released their new single “Waste Away at the end of April via Light Organ Records. The quartet comprises of LA based charismatic front man and songwriter Charlie Kerr, guitarist Clark Grieve, Mike Noble on bass and drummer Cole George. While building off the sharp, indie pop hooks, Hotel Mira are exploring their widest set of sounds yet, vaulting from neon-trashy garage rock to festival-sized pop hooks and glam-bop balladry. Live Charlie performs in a way that feels uniquely part Iggy Pop, part go-go dancer, and part fourth wall breaking experimental theatre. He tells a story to the crowd through his masterful lyrics, hip-swaying melodies, and attentiveness to his audience that makes each person in the venue feel special. Mike, Cole and Clark provide a sweeping soundscape that makes it impossible not to be swept away in the melodrama and passion of each song they play. The band has supported many acts including Billy Talent, Fizzy Blood, The Beaches and Frank Lero (My Chemical Romance), and carried out multiple headlining tours of their own. https://www.facebook.com/hotelmiramusic/ https://www.instagram.com/hotelmiramusic/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@hotelmira https://www.hotelmiramusic.com/ 2:40 - 3:05 Asha Jefferies (Australia) Asha Jefferies: Hails from the Northern Rivers in Australia but raised in Brisbane, her debut album Ego Ride released in April this year, through Nettwerk Music Group. The album speaks to an audience of listeners searching for moments of self-reflection and authenticity. To date, Asha Jefferies has toured with and supported acts including Julia Jacklin, Stella Donnelly, and has played notable Australian festival slots at BIGSOUND, Icebreaker Festival, Against the Grain, Bluesfest, Woodford Folk and Mullum Music Festivals. 3:20 - 3:45 My Life Story (England) My Life Story: are epic pop pioneers headed up by charismatic frontman, Jake Shillingford who released their fifth studio album ‘Loving You Is Killing Me’ in February via Exilophone Records/Republic Of Music. This follows their last critically acclaimed album ‘World Citizen’ released in 2019. The new album discusses themes of empathy, profaneness, vaingloriousness, coercive behaviour and naturism. The record, published by Mute Song, has been written and produced by Jake alongside Nick Evans and mixed by Ben Hillier who produced two Depeche Mode albums as well as working with Blur, Patrick Wolf, Nadine Shah and Peter Perrett. The record features this year’s singles: ‘Numb Numb Numb’, ‘Tits & Attitude’ and ‘I Am God’. The band became a pioneering force in the Britpop movement scoring 6 UK top 40 singles and a top 40 album inspiring the era's orchestral identity. Combining playful lyrics with epic pop, MLS formed in Southend in 1984. By the early 90s, Shillingford had grown the band into a flamboyant orchestral 11 piece with string and brass section. Their passionate, often chaotic live shows lead to Giles Martin (The Beatles) recording tracks for their debut album ‘Mornington Crescent’ after discovering them at the Marquee. Signed to Parlophone in 1996, the band released ‘The Golden Mile’ which spawned most hit singles including ‘12 Reasons Why I Love Her’, ‘Strumpet’ and ‘Sparkle’. ‘Joined Up Talking’ followed on Andrew Lloyd Webber's It Records in 2000, featuring sixth hit single, ‘It's A Girl Thing’. Many collaborations followed including Morrissey, The Pogues and Marc Almond. MLS performed Glastonbury Pyramid stage and Reading Festival 4 times. They supported Blur & Pulp and are one of the only bands to headline over Oasis. https://mylifestory.band/ Image above HMS Morris (c) Rhiannon Holland

“ …after more than a decade of successes, experimentation and growth in the genre’s top tier - the multi-faceted singer-songwriter has zeroed in on his truest sound with Rise and Fall. ” – Holler On the heels of his sixth No. 1 hit on the U.S. Country Aircheck/Mediabase Chart with lead single 'Cab in a Solo', Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery released his fifth studio album "Rise and Fall" last Friday. The North Carolina native knows all too well there’s a rhythm to life and a cycle of ups and downs. And right now, he’s on the upswing. “ I feel like we’re on the rise now, but I’ve fallen pretty low as well, ” McCreery admits. “I learned from every little part of that, and it helped me to know who I was as a person – let alone an artist. The rises and the falls helped craft these songs. They made this album what it is. I’ve been living with this record for months…it is more me than any I’ve ever made, and I’m so excited for the world to finally hear it,” added McCreery. “ Across the 13-track collection, McCreery exhibits his continued growth as a vocalist and songwriter, ” notes Holler , while Country Now calls it “ his best record yet, ” as Rise and Fall finds him exploring not only heartbreak but rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood and enduring love, resulting in a project full of insightful storytelling. The album was produced by McCreery’s longtime production team of Frank Rogers, Derek Wells and Aaron Eshuis. McCreery co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on the album, which Billboard observes, “ Light-hearted fare such as ‘Stuck Behind a Tractor’ and ‘And Countin’’ mesh with heartbreak brushoffs such as ‘Lonely,’ the bluegrass-inflected album-closer ‘Porch’ and the faith-filled ‘Red Letter Blueprint. ’” It is available digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. In addition, Amazon is releasing a limited-edition forest green vinyl version of the album. “ I know every artist says it, but this is truly my favourite album I’ve made so far ,” shares McCreery. “ I wanted to create an album that reflected the music I grew up on and wasn’t chasing trends. So, I brought several of my songwriting buddies to the mountains of North Carolina to sit down and write a full-on country album that told a story, start to finish, and spoke to my soul. We’ve been performing most of the album live on the road and the response from the audiences has been overwhelming. I’m excited for everyone to finally hear Rise and Fall.” Now 30 years old and a seasoned country music veteran selling out concerts across the globe with six No. 1 hits under his belt, McCreery is also a dedicated husband and father, welcoming a son named Avery in 2022, whose impact on the singer is highlighted in several songs on the album. Recently, he even celebrated the milestone of all milestones for a guy who grew up on Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Ronnie Milsap; he was invited by his musical hero Garth Brooks to become the newest member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry. McCreery was just welcomed into the Opry family last month by two more of his heroes, Josh Turner and Randy Travis. For more information on the album and Scotty, please check out his website & socials: - ScottyMcCreery.com | Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok Image above (c) Jeff Ray

Introducing Canadian band Hotel Mira to the UK market fresh from a string of stellar shows at SXSW. The band, an alternative pop act destined for arenas, released their new single “ Waste Away" on 26 th April via Light Organ Records . The quartet comprises of LA based charismatic frontman and songwriter Charlie Kerr, guitarist Clark Grieve, Mike Noble on bass and drummer Cole George. While building off the sharp, indie pop hooks, Hotel Mira are exploring their widest set of sounds yet, vaulting from neon-trashy garage rock to festival-sized pop hooks and glam-bop balladry. “‘ Waste Away’ tells the story of Domestic abuse. The tendency to Blame oneself. The confusion and backwards way we justify abusive behaviour. The way things can escalate slowly over time in a way that we don’t recognise until it’s too late. And of course, the trying to gather the courage to leave a partner and the very real threat of violence if you do. It is a love letter to the courage and resilience of survivors. Myself and close friends included.” CHARLIE KERR Live Charlie performs in a way that feels uniquely part Iggy Pop, part go-go dancer, and part fourth wall breaking experimental theatre. He tells a story to the crowd through his masterful lyrics, hip-swaying melodies, and attentiveness to his audience that makes each person in the venue feel special. Mike, Cole and Clark provide a sweeping soundscape that makes it impossible not to be swept away in the melodrama and passion of each song they play. Charlie and Mike met as teenagers at a ‘Battle of the Bands’ and developed a mutual admiration for each others musical projects, they met Cole and Clark through the Vancouver music scene and formed Hotel Mira. Kerr is a captivating storyteller and the music from Hotel Mira is partly informed by the frontman’s experience as an actor and playwright. He believes that acting, music, and writing are all the same thing: story-telling. He draws a parallel to his musical project from the scene in the film ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ where Heath Ledger performs on the bleachers for the girl he loves while taunting the cops after paying the school marching band for backup. The band has supported many acts including Billy Talent, Fizzy Blood, The Beaches and Frank Lero (My Chemical Romance), and carried out multiple headlining tours of their own.  Now they are gracing the The Impressive/Planetary Showcase @ The Secret Comedy Club, Brighton at 2pm on Thursday 16th May. For more information, please check out :- https://www.facebook.com/hotelmiramusic/ https://www.instagram.com/hotelmiramusic/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@hotelmira https://www.hotelmiramusic.com/

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville singer/songwriter Elvie Shane released his much anticipated sophomore album DAMASCUS on Friday, an ode to his artistic evolution and deep-feeling take on country music. Drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul’s transformative biblical story and the hardened beauty of ancient steel, each of the 13 tracks find Shane stepping into the shoes of another, taking pieces of each character he’s met on his journey, and melding them into one beautifully woven work. Shane co-wrote all songs on the project produced by his frequent collaborator, Oscar Charles. “ There’s 13 songs on DAMASCUS, and a lot of piss and vinegar,” said Shane. “It’s the ‘Outside Dog’ in me that drives me to do this. Welcome to that autobiography, I’d like to formally introduce myself. ” The Kentucky native has won over critics, delivering “ an ode to blue-collar workers that exposes the heart-aching realities of the working class, ” (Billboard) as the project “ further cements Shane as a new voice of the damaged, addicted, and lost in country music, ” (Rolling Stone). Acclaimed champion of the next blue-collar generation, Elvie Shane has emerged as a country star with his heart on his sleeve, driven by his unwavering determination to aim for impact. A dynamic project of extremes and deep empathy with a sharp-edged fusion of country, rock, and hip-hop, Shane’s sophomore album DAMASCUS tells the deeply-layered tale of his journey through success, struggle and self-discovery – one that countless others battle with each day. The Kentucky native teamed up with Little Big Town for his track “First Place,” raising a glass to the everyday victory of just getting by. Shane’s gruff vocals couple with Little Big Town’s robust and iconic sound to deliver an irresistible, harmony-laden cocktail, with notes of “Boondocks” and Steve Earle. Ranging from Appalachian electro-punk to defiant heartland hip-hop, grungy gospel blues and neon ‘90s twang, Shane’s influences collide in DAMASCUS to tell his story – one that countless others have experienced in one way or another. The project kicks off with “Outside Dog,'' a me-against-the-world prideful anthem that sets the tone for his transformational turbulence and ultimately, self-discovery. The track is followed by the moody, gospel-rock “What Do I Know,” a scathing look into a world at odds with itself, while “Jonesin’” soulfully preaches about the weight of always needing more. The album pivots into a new stage of discovery, with the shadowy, electro-soul pulse of "Baptized" and bittersweet blue-collar anthem “Forgotten Man.” Shane tackles the opioid epidemic with the agonising “Pill,” and the need for prison reform with high-strung, funky “Appalachian Alchemy” and the weary, identity-stripping “215634.” Hope begins to build thanks to the inspirational message of betting on oneself in “Winning Horse.” The tempo picks up with the keys-driven, honky-tonk fun of “Fan On High,” with a reminder to never take life too seriously and the wild-cat swagger of “Chicken Shit.” Shane’s DAMASCUS journey concludes with the heartland-hymn “Does Heaven Have A Creek,” a track that finally finds peace through reflection of what really matters and what comes next. To find out what is next for Elvie, by way of live appearances Stateside, and to get your hands on "Damascus please check out his website and socials:- Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter