Music
18 Apr 02

Ireland's best party shapes up

The Frames and David Kitt are the latest additions to the Hot Press Irish Music Awards bill. And with TV3 as well as BBC NI broadcasting it & a potential audience of 20 million, it's a good job we've no less than ex-Live Aid director David Croft at the helm

Not content with bringing you Ash and Suede, The Frames and David Kitt have been added to the list of live performers at next week's Hot Press Irish Music Awards.

The other good news is that the BAFTA Award-winning David C. Croft will be directing the televising of the Belfast gong-giving extravaganza.

"David Croft has an extraordinary track record," enthuses Hot Press editor Niall Stokes. "He won a BAFTA as the director in charge of the Live Aid broadcast back in 1985. He also did the Nelson Mandela tribute concert in 1988, and has worked on a string of major music and entertainment shows, including Top Of The Pops, Shooting Stars and the Johnny Vegas Gameshow.

"It's a real privilege that he's agreed to direct the Hot Press Awards Show, which is shaping up to be a great celebration of the best in Irish music."

Hosted by Norn Iron mirthmeister Patrick Kielty, the Awards can be seen on BBC One Northern Ireland (April 26th @ 10.35pm), BBC Choice (April 27th, time TBC), and TV3 (April 27th @ 8.30pm).

Commenting on the potential audience of 20 million – which makes it one of the most watched musical extravaganzas in Irish television history – Niall Stokes adds: "We're really pleased that the Hot Press Irish Music Awards are being televised this year in a prime time spot by TV3, as well as the BBC.

"This is a genuinely national event that reflects the best of Irish creativity and talent from all over the island of Ireland."