Bath College students to perform at the O2 Academy in Bristol

Music students at Bath College are heading to the O2 Academy in Bristol to play the biggest gig of their lives so far on the main stage.  

Thousands of people visit the O2 every year and the group will be playing on the same stage as famous musicians from around the country.  

Eleven acts and DJs will be performing a wide range of music, from acoustic folk and alternative rock, to punk and drum and bass.  

They will be showcasing the best of BA1 Records, Bath’s biggest youth record label set up by the college music department.  

Music technician Laine Pearce-Rees, who teaches at Bath College and works at the O2 Academy, is organising the event.  

He said: “This is a pretty huge deal to get to play the main stage at the O2. Since the venue was opened, so many big bands have graced the main stage – far too many to mention.

 “The students are ecstatic about the chance to play. Having this opportunity will be a big boost to their musical CV and will help them visualise what they want to achieve in their careers.  

“The biggest challenge I think for many will be stage fright, it’s a big stage to fill and when you think about the musicians who have been there before it can weight on your mind a little.  

“I still get giddy thinking that I work in a venue that all my favourite bands have played on, but I know that all the acts will do their best and blow us all away.”  

Bath College has a thriving music department and counts Gabrielle Aplin, Laura Doggett, and music producer Julio Bashmore amongst its alumni.  

Student bands and musicians playing include rock and indie band Tell The Hoi, The Bohos, Axial View, Coitus Futon, Just Parsons and Euphoria.  

Also joining the event is singer songwriter China Bowls, who was recently signed by Bristol’s first female record label Saffron Records.

Georgia Turnbull, 16, from Trowbridge, will be playing with her band Euphoria.   She said: “I feel this opportunity will give the band a lot more confidence and will encourage us to progress even further to become a bigger and better band.”  

Band member Ruby Donadel, 16, from Bristol, said: “I’m super excited to play at the O2. I can’t wait to be on stage giving people a taste of Euphoria.  

“I’m sure the girls would agree, this is our biggest gig yet and to be given the opportunity to play at this venue is absolutely breath-taking.   “For our friends at Bath College, this will be such a memorable night.”  

Students will be playing at the O2 Academy on May 6. Doors open at 6pm and the evening finishes at 10pm. Tickets are £3 on the door, or free with an NUS/Bath College card.