HOLOGRAM COMPANY BEHIND TUPAC’S ‘RESURRECTION’ WILL UNVEIL ‘VERY SPECIAL GUEST’ AT BEST OF BRITANNIA

BEST OF BRITISH MUSIC STAGE, CURATED BY GUY CHAMBERS, SPONSORED BY MARSHALL AMPS AND IN ASSOCIATION WITH ACID JAZZ RECORDS.

EVENT, 5th/6th/7th OCTOBER 2012

Seb Coe closed The Games with the phrase “London 2012 Made in Britain” and it is within this vein that the event, Best of Britannia (BoB) will celebrate the music, arts, culture design and manufacturing  that are ‘Made in Britain’ - all under one roof, across one amazing weekend at London’s Farmiloe Building.

Musion, the British hologram company that made headline news around the world when they helped bring Tupac back to life for Coachella will be unveiling a ‘very special guest’ that music fans will not want to miss.  An iconic British superstar will ‘perform’ at the event, which celebrates the UK’s achievements across music, arts, culture, design, technology and manufacturing.

Musion was responsible for the famous Madonna / Gorillaz performance and have also worked their magic on the likes of Mariah Carey, Pixie Lott, Black Eyes Peas and Girls Aloud.   Their team of techies are working hard to wow the audience with a ‘very special guest’ at Best of Britannia in October.

Exclusively curated by Multi-platinum and award winning songwriter Guy Chambers, The Best of British stage will provide live entertainment every evening (5/6/7 October) and present the predicted stars of 2013.  Guy Chambers said: "British music talent is the best in the world because we take more risks, we embrace new genres, we aren't scared to be original and we have the confidence of an incredible pop heritage, I look forward to showcasing the best of British talent at BOB 2012." 

The stage is sponsored by Marshall - the manufacturer of music amplifiers who still design and manufacture all their products in Britain.  Pioneered by icons including Jimi Hendrix and The Who, Marshall products are ubiquitous in the music industry, the classic Marshall Stack is one of the defining images behind loud rock music.   The brand was even famously featured in the film Spinal Tap.  Paul Weller said of the brand: “I can make my Marshall go from a screaming loud tone to a beautiful clean, warm, brassy sound with a mere flick of a pick-up switch.” 

The Best of British stage is also brought to visitors of the Best of Britannia event in association with seminal record label Acid Jazz, who celebrate their 25th anniversary this year.  Founded by Giles Peterson and Eddie Piller, the East London label’s roster has included Jamiroquai and The Brand New Heavies. 

The line-up includes one of the most talked about bands in the UK right now, The Janice Graham Band, a ska, reggae, funk outfit hailing from Europe’s largest council estate – Wythenshawe.  Their high profile supporters include The Happy Mondays who described them as “the best new band we’ve seen in years” Clint Boon (The Inspiral Carpets / XFM) who said they were “one of the best new breed of Manchester bands who could easily become the next big thing” and BBC Radio 2’s Janice Young. 

Mani of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream went even further by eulogising their politically-driven fusion sound.  He said:  “Janice Graham Band are a gang of funkateers from Manchester who sound so unique in an age when it is easy to copy what has gone before.  They are much, much more than just another bunch of Mancunian Council house riff-raff, they have attitude a plenty and hearts full of soul.  I don’t know how this city does it, but I’m glad it does.  The North is about to rise again.” 

Matt Berry, star of The IT Crowd and The Mighty Boosh will perform at the event as will  Linda Harrison, who according to The Daily Mirror  is a “Multi-tasking, multi-instrumental, self-marketing Scottish singer-songwriter, Harrison is a hard headed independently-minded force.  Her official debut single suggests a bold, stuttering, soul-baring talent.  More exposure soon, please.” 

Helena Jesele, the sultry songstress whose unique sound comes courtesy of world-renowned producers such as Paul O’Duffy, who co-wrote Wake Up Alone with Amy Winehouse and Truth and Soul, who worked on Adele’s 19 album.  Her soulful sound has gained praise from Metro, Blues & Soul and The Daily Telegraph: “Whenever she’s on stage, Helena Jesele has a real presence, it’s not just because she’s six-foot tall or her striking vintage sixties look, but also because of her powerful, soulful voice.”  

Guy Chambers presents Fake Club and Farhan Mannan will also feature alongside a celebration of British film-making with an indoor pop-up cinema showcasing short, documentary and feature length films.  

A range of award winning British food and drink will be on offer, from small artisan food brands to the British upstart Chase Vodka – voted the World’s best vodka at The World Spirits Competition.  The Meantime Brewery from London’s East End and William’s Gin will also lubricate visitors. 

BoB will offer visitors the chance to browse and buy the most comprehensive selection of ‘Made in Britain’ goods under one roof.  From fashion brands like Dashing Tweeds, Dodd Clothing and Jeffrey West to home furnishing from the likes of Merchant Fox, NJW House of Glass and Zeenah Shah. 

Heritage and innovation will sit side by side; Pashley the UK’s longest established cycle manufacturer will be juxtaposed by Fletcher speedboats and BAC Mono – one of the UK’s last remaining motoring manufacturers who will be promoting their racing cars.  Field Candy, the design led brand of tents will delight with their quirky and humorous designs. 

Mr & Mrs Smith, the boutique hotel guide, who have gained cult status amongst those afflicted with Wanderlust, having boasted reviews from uber tastemakers such as Stella McCartney, Dita Von Teese and Raymond Blanc will create a boutique hotel bedroom with the help of mydeco.com.  British designed, key pieces in the room will be auctioned off at the event to raise funds for men’s health charity Movember. 

Arts, culture, music, design and manufacturing will all be celebrated at the ground breaking event.  Best of Britannia takes place at the Farmiloe Building in London, 5 – 7 October 2012; the event will open with an exclusive preview day for international trade buyers, retailers and press with a reception hosted by Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden, before opening to the public for the following two days.  

Tickets cost from £5, to book and for more information please visit: www.bestofbritannia.com