Guernsey band Courage Have Courage to play Reading

Courage Have Courage, from Guernsey,
have been named as one of 36 bands to feature on the BBC Introducing Stage at
the 2011 Reading and Leeds Festival.

The band, two of whom now live in the UK, have played just two gigs in the
island including the main stage of the Guernsey Festival of Performing Arts.

Bassist Ollie Smith said: "We've known for about two weeks but had to wait
for the official announcement.

"It's been really difficult - we've been itching to get it out there."

He said: "There's been a good response already online, but it hasn't really
sunk in yet."

The festival headliners are Muse, My Chemical Romance, The Strokes and
Pulp.

Jason Carter, BBC Introducing Editor, said: "Giving new artists the
opportunity to play at Reading and Leeds across the bank holiday weekend is
exactly what BBC Introducing is all about, [giving] new musicians access to play
at one of the premier UK festivals."

Bands are chosen by a combination of the BBC Introducing Network and the
festival promoters.

Mr Carter said: "Our selection panel was top notch for the event, including
presenters and music producers across BBC Radio 1, Later….with Jools Holland and
also the NME.

"We have a great final line-up. As well as the performance opportunity,
audiences watching the BBC coverage will get to hear and watch all the
highlights from the stage, giving the new musicians even wider exposure."

Another band with a Guernsey connection to have played the stage is Mercury
Music Prize nominees Everything Everything.

















(from BBC)