Good news, everyone, the Hi:Fi North festival can go ahead, because organisers have been granted a licence by the local Castle Morpeth Borough Council for the event, which takes place on 27 May at the Matfen Estate near Newcastle. Granting the licence took four days of court hearing, apparently, which all sounds a bit boring. Anyway, Peter Haywood, the event producer and licensee says: "We're delighted to have the support of the council and look forward to an event which is safe, secure and guarantees minimal disruption to local residents. There is no doubt we have the skills and know-how to host an incredible music festival with some of the most legendary names in rock and dance."
Elsewhere in Hi-Fi Festival related news, Youth Music have announced plans for two music industry masterclasses aimed at young people interested in music careers, staged to coincide with their Opening Sets competition, the finals of which will take place at Hi-Fi. The two events will take place in the same cities as Hi-Fi, though they are happening next week. The guest panel set to appear includes Laurence Verfaillie, MD of Electric PR; Ewen Spencer, Official photographer for The Streets; Russell Deeks, Editor iDJ magazine; DJ Switch, DMC finalist; and DJ/Producer Volley.
The events take place at Tower Arts Centre, Romsey Road, Winchester on 8 May from 6pm-7.30pm and at The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays on 10 May, from 6pm -7.30pm. Collect free tickets from the venue or register online at http://www.thesoundstation.org.uk/jsp/Competitions/
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