Leek Life March/April 2014 | Page 33

LEEK ARTS FESTIVAL AUDIENCE SET TO RAVE TO THE ROVING CROWS A band set to appear at this year's Leek Arts Festival has been swamped with demands to play extra gigs after scooping a top music industry award. The Roving Crows, booked to play as part of the Leek Festival on 17th May, have been voted Band of the Year in the 2013 Fatea Magazine Awards, beating top festival band Bellowhead who could only manage the runner-up spot. Roving Crows lead singer Paul O'Neill said the band members were delighted by the accolade which had led to a significant increase in bookings. Paul told Leek Life: “We were already busy but now we are getting requests to play at lots more gigs and festivals – it's great to know that people like our music and want to see us play it live.” The Roving Crows played in Leek in April last year as part of a series of warm-up gigs for the main Arts Festival programme. And the reception they received convinced Festival organisers to rebook them for 2014 , this time as part of the main programme. Paul added: "We had a great time in Leek last year and it was clear from the moment we walked on stage that the Leek Arts Festival holds a special place in the hearts of local people. We're looking forward to meeting up with old friends and making lots of new ones when we come back in May." Arts Festival spokesman Phil Edmeades added: "The band created a real buzz when they played last year and we have had many requests to bring them back. Their success in the Fatea Awards – even beating the mighty Bellowhead into second place – is a clear indication that we've made the right decision." Tickets for The Roving Crows gig on 17th May will be available shortly on the Festival website at www.leekartsfestival.org as will tickets for other events. More information about The Roving Crows and samples of their music can be found at www.rovingcrows.com. Leek Life March/April 2014 33