BBC and The Great Escape Deepen Partnership

The British public broadcaster and The Great Escape, one of Europe’s largest showcase festivals taking place annually in Brighton, England, will work together to champion new talent across the BBC’s channels. 

Dee McCourt / Borkowski Arts – The Great Escape

The Great Escape, which takes place for the 12th time May 18-20, has a longstanding relationship with BBC’s Introducing format. In 2017, it will also work closely with BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 6 Music.

BBC Music will take over Brighton’s Paganini Ballroom for a three-night musical showcase, with BBC Radio 6 Music hosting on the Thursday, BBC Music Introducing on the Friday and BBC Radio 3 on Saturday.

Artists announced so far include Marika Hackman, Goat Girl and Ibibio Sound Machine. There will also be live coverage of The Great Escape on Radio 1, which will be broadcasting from the festival hub in Jubilee Square, center of town.

The public broadcaster will also be part of the festival’s convention program, taking over the Old Courtroom venue. “Mary-Anne Hobbs will speak to Kojey Radical whilst Tom Robinson will share some insights with John Grant and Huw Stephens will also be speaking with a very special guest performing at the festival,” the announcement reads.

TGE event manager Kevin Moore said BBC Music and the festival “share a commitment to discover and nurture new music and we can’t wait to share our ideas and see this collaboration grow.

As we approach our twelfth year it’s important that we work with broadcast partners who share our vision and BBC Music do just that which makes them a perfect partner.” James Stirling, BBC Music Editor, added: “BBC Music is dedicated to discovering and nurturing new British artists and The Great Escape is one of the best festivals to do this on the UK music scene.”