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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens has announced that 16 unsigned bands from the South West of England are being given the opportunity to perform at Radio 1's Big Weekend Fringe which runs in the week leading up to the main weekend event in Swindon.

From Monday 4 to Thursday 7 May the Fringe takes place at four live music venues across Swindon town centre. Each venue hosts the festival for one night and four bands will play at each.

Radio 1's Big Weekend Fringe delivers a specific focus to supporting live music in the Swindon and surrounding area.

Jason Carter, Editor, Live Events says: "Through the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ partnership with Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Does Arts, we will be continuing to support new and under-the-radar music at the fringe, but with real attention on artists in the region that have caught the attention of the fringe group – it's a strong line-up of exciting new acts for the future."

Phil Young, Councillor, Swindon Borough Council, adds: "The Fringe events just add to the Big Weekend experience and allows us to reach out to even more local people and get them involved in the thriving arts and music scene in Swindon."

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 1's Big Weekend Fringe

Monday 4 May: The 12 Bar (16 years and over)

7.30-11.00pm

The Alfonz
The Volt
The Shebeats
The Kulucci March

Tuesday 5 May: The Vic (18 years and over)

7.30-11.00pm

Matt Kilford
Sleeping with Giants
Kill it Kid
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Wednesday 6 May: The Furnace (14 years and over)

7.00-11.00pm

The Dead Lay Waiting
Casino Drive
Decora
Realign The Stars

Thursday 7 May: Rehab (18 years and over)

8.00-11.00pm

Beat Bullyz
Para
Chew Magna
Old School Tie

The bands have been hand-picked by a panel headed up by Huw Stephens and including local music representatives, such as Daniel Garrett, who presents Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wiltshire's Introducing Show, and Steve Causer, who runs Swindon Music Forum.

Beat Bullyz, who come from Swindon, have also been chosen to play on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Introducing Stage at Radio 1's Big Weekend.

Huw Stephens says: "The Fringe gives Radio 1 a unique opportunity to celebrate new and unsigned bands and also to explore the local music scene – from guitar bands through to dance acts. I'm really looking forward to being there for it."

Daniel Garrett adds:"The Fringe Festival is the perfect platform for people outside Wiltshire to see what a thriving music scene we have here in the county. The talented local bands and artists we have carefully selected to play across the Fringe gigs are the very best Wiltshire has to offer, and I hope the considerable exposure they receive from being involved will lead on to even greater opportunities for them all."

All the gigs will be free of charge. Further details can be found at bbc.co.uk/radio1.

Notes to Editors

Radio 1's Big Weekend Takes place on 9 and 10 May at Lydiard Park, Swindon. For the full line-up and more details about the event visit bbc.co.uk/radio1/bigweekend/.

Swindon Does Arts

Swindon Does Arts is a major new council-backed campaign to increase engagement in all things artistic and creative in Swindon. The plan, which is being developed and delivered by a wide range of local partners, is the most exciting artistic opportunity for the town in decades. For more information go to www.swindondoesarts.co.uk.

ER