Live music company DHP Family is in the running for three top gongs at the biggest night in the music industry calendar with nods for its venues, festivals and live promoting.
Bearded Theory is up for Festival of the Year, while Thekla in Bristol is up for the publicly voted Grassroots Venue award. The Nottingham based live entertainment company is also up for National Promoter of the Year.
DHP Family – which employs 400 across its live and venue divisions – put on more than 700 concerts nationwide last year from household names Lewis Capaldi and Tom Grennan, to exciting new prospects Viagra Boys, Divorce, Prima Queen, Militarie Gun, Yard Act, Antony Szmierek, piri, Jockstrap, Fat Dog and High Vis.
DHP Family MD George Akins said: “Our values and vision set us apart from other promoters. We are a small but experienced and passionate team who consistently deliver for our customers, artists, managers, and agents, as well as for our staff who work incredibly hard, but always enjoy a gig together. Making the finals of the Music Week awards is a just reward for all the people here that go the extra mile to deliver every single time.”
2023 saw significant growth in the company’s festivals with the acquisition of Bearded Theory, and the development of established flagship events Splendour and Dot To Dot with its editions in Nottingham and Bristol; the resurrection of MIRRORS in London; the continued success of charity fundraiser Beat the Streets and the Beans on Toast curated Foolhardy Folk Festival.
DHP Family Director of Live Anton Lockwood, talking about their commitment to nurturing new artists, said: “We’ve always supported emerging talent, and continued to do so with numerous slots at festivals and in our venues, plus our INTRO series highlighting new artists in London and a stage at The Great Escape to further showcase our favourite new acts.”
The first Bearded Theory under DHP’s stewardship in 2023 was regarded as an overwhelming success by festival goers. The skilfully curated bill had crossover appeal with artists that resonated with the loyal fanbase while exciting newer acts attracted first time attendees.
DHP Family Head of Marketing Anwyn Williams said: “It was important to us to maintain the ethos and independent nature of Bearded Theory that the loyal following of the festival hold dear. The challenge was to develop a beloved event without losing any of the charm that has kept it so popular over the last 15 years. By focusing on enhancing site infrastructure, introducing an exciting new second stage, and curating an exceptional line-up, the festival was described by many as “one of the best Beardeds they’d been to so far”.
This year’s Bearded Theory, Catton Park, Derbyshire takes place May 23-26 headlined by Jane’s Addiction in a UK festival exclusive, with Amyl And The Sniffers joining them at the top of the bill. Future Islands, Sleaford Mods, Soft Play, Orbital, Dexys, Dinosaur Jr, Baxter Dury, New Model Army and WARGASM are also on the bill, while Bob Vylan and Panic Shack are both returning after blowing away audiences in previous years. The festival has just added a further 100 artists to its 15th birthday celebrations, including Dry Cleaning, The Big Moon, BC Camplight, Therapy?, and Marika Hackman.
In Bristol, from the jazz, folk and cabaret of the Old Profanity Show Boat, the punk scene in the late 80s, and Massive Attack, Portishead and Roni Size in the 90s, Thekla has always been at the forefront of the best up and coming new music and that’s no different today.
The cargo ship moored in the Mud Dock area of Bristol’s Floating Harbour has been an award-winning venue and club space since 1984. Throughout changes in management, it has remained fiercely independent with a finger on the pulse of the Bristol music scene. Having been taken over by DHP Family in 2006, Thekla continues to be one of the country’s most iconic live music venues with an eclectic and exciting diary of live music throughout the year.
In 2023, the venue had many of its favourites and most exciting new acts aboard, including The Pretenders, Biig Piig, Black Honey, Lottery Winners, Bully, Be Your Own Pet, Ariel Posen, Wheatus, Do Nothing, Bdrmm, Panchiko, Grove, Blonde Redhead, Ruts DC, Militarie Gun and Steve Mason.
Thekla General Manager, Alex Black, said: “We’ve just sailed into our 40th anniversary year in 2024 and are looking forward to celebrating! We’d love to win this award in this special milestone year for the old ship.”
The winners will be revealed on May 2 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. Firmly established as the unrivalled badge of excellence for the music sector, these respected awards were launched to raise standards across the industry by showcasing top class performance and innovation.
The Music Week Awards recognises achievement across the whole industry, including labels, music publishers, live, radio, marketing and PR. Each year, these prestigious awards are peer-voted and judged by an independent panel of specialist judges.
To vote for Thekla, go to www.musicweekawards.com/2024grassrootsvote
