James, Ollie (both class of 2012) and Charlie (class of 2013), who formed a band whilst students at Trent College and who in 2015 were part of Strawberries 25th anniversary group The Strawberry Collective, a group of former student performers who recorded ‘Greatest Day’ in celebration of the infamous leavers’ concert, entered the Derby Sound Community Radio competition last month.
Teaming up with D-Hive, the Derby Sound summer festival promoters, the local radio station encouraged artists from Derbyshire to enter for a chance to join the star studded line up. Just 5 artists were shortlisted, announced live on air on Monday 17 June, and are now in the running for the pivotal spot on the stage at the Derbyshire County Cricket Ground.
The Half Eight’s fate now lies in the public vote to decide the winner. This is a fantastic opportunity for the band of Old Tridents to showcase their music, which is enjoyed each year by the Trent community as they headline the Trent Parent Association’s Rock on the Terrace outdoor music event, and who regularly play in schools and at young teen events, to a wider audience of 10,000 people.
The Half Eight are offering anyone who votes for them the chance to win 2 tickets to the event, if they win! The competition organisers will also put all voters into a random prize draw to win tickets to the concert, which cost £65 each.
The boys would love the help of their fans, family and friends. “We’re so unbelievably excited to have reached the final five, and we’re very grateful to have been selected. It would genuinely be a dream come true to win. Ever since we began writing music together at school, we always hoped we’d be able to play our music to large crowds, like our idols”.
Good luck to The Half Eight, we look forward to hopefully joining you at the festival!