BBC Introducing in Bristol to host Brisfest stage

BBC Introducing in Bristol will be curating one of the main stages at Brisfest this September, it has been announced.

Richard Pitt and Sam Bonham from BBC Bristol will be introducing some of the best acts in Bristol and Somerset at one of the city's top festivals on Saturday, 22 September at Ashton Court.

It is the first time BBC Introducing has teamed up with Brisfest.

"We're delighted to have BBC Introducing at Brisfest this year," said Brisfest coordinator, Poppy Stephenson.

"The festival is all about discovering, nurturing and showcasing local talent, so this partnership with BBC Introducing is a natural fit.

"Sam and Rich have got some really exciting acts on their stage and they'll be a fantastic addition to Brisfest in our first year at the Ashton Court Estate."

More than 10 selected artists will play on the BBC Introducing stage.

Special guests from Knowle West Media Centre, a media arts charity based in South Bristol, will be opening up the stage at 12pm, showcasing some of the acts who have come through the community music project.

Knowle West Media Centre will showcase new music and collaborations fusing hip-hop, grime and drum and bass.

"We are proud to be opening the BBC Introducing Stage at this year's Brisfest," said Makala Cheung, one of the artists performing at Brisfest.

"We're looking forward to performing together and being part of an event that showcases the creativity and musical talent in our city."

In celebration of some of the community music projects in Bristol, BBC Introducing has made a documentary on the power of music as a tool for personal development.

Broadcast BBC Radio Bristol on 5 June at 6pm, this documentary explores people's personal relationships with music at some of the community music projects in the South West.

Bristol is a city with a strong musical heritage and there are several established and popular community projects; such as Remix, St Pauls Reggae Orchestra and Knowle West Media Centre.

These projects successfully bring people together and tap into music performance, song writing and collaboration as a way to empower and engage people.

Listen to Music Saved my Life, presented by Sam Bonham from BBC Introducing in Bristol, 6pm Tuesday, 5 June on BBC Radio Bristol.