After a battle of the bands event held at Suffolk New College, two up-and-coming acts have been given a chance to perform at a major festival.
Originally, five performers from the college went head-to-head during an evening event, with the prize being the chance to perform at the Ipswich May Day music festival.
Then, independent judges, who included BBC Introducing DJ Angelle Joseph, chose the winners.
A Love for Money and Indigo Lillies were crowned as victors and they will now show what they can do at the longest-running May Day music festival in the country that takes place at Alexandra Park on Sunday, 4 May 2025 from midday.
Jesse Leonard, Thomas Calver, George Roberts, George Eales and Eva Wayland form A Love For Money. On behalf of the group, Eva, 17, from Ipswich, who is studying a level three extended diploma in music performance, said: “We are so grateful for this opportunity. It was really exciting when our band was announced. People can expect to hear a bit of everything from us. We will be playing mostly original music and a cover. It’ll be great exposure for us as an upcoming band, and it’s an honour to perform. We are buzzing for this. Things are happening really quickly. It’ll be a fun time.”
Lily Kemp, 17, from Leiston, is also on a music performance level three course. She is part of the duo called Indigo Lillies. Lily said: “I was very surprised we were chosen as there was a lot of talent on the night (at the battle of the bands). “I’ve never played a festival in Ipswich before, so this is nerve-wracking, but it’s a great opportunity. We are both solo artists, but we will perform as a duo. Our genre incorporates indie, folk and rock.”
Georgie Fawley is a music performance lecturer at Suffolk New College. Georgie said: “I’m really proud of my students. I feel this year we have a large proportion of really good musicians and songwriters. It’s lovely to hear their music. What an experience for them. Hopefully they can all build a fan base as a result of playing this festival.”