Long Division Goes Digital With LD:TV

This Wakefield festival will welcome artists including Billy Bragg, The Lovely Eggs and Pictish Trail, with the physical of the Festival version postponed until November (provided that it is safe to proceed by then).

As it’s the Festival’s 10th birthday celebration, Festival founder Dean Freeman decided to launch LD:TV, creating a raft of new content with the Festival’s various partners and organisers. 

Billy Bragg. Photograph by Murdo McLeod

There’ll be two main blocks of programming on 6 June, each running between 1.5 hours and 2 hours. The daytime session will include music industry panels, masterclasses, education and outreach, with AIFMusic: LeedsBackstage AcademyYorkshire Music Forum, esteemed music journalists Charlotte Gunn & John RobbLeeds College of Music and more.

The evening will feature previous guests of Long Division including Billy BraggThe Lovely EggsThe Wedding PresentPictish TrailHands Off GretelEmma PollockMi MyeDead Naked Hippies and many more, for a two hour celebration of the Festival and its history, featuring new and live performances from the artists and hosted by Dean Freeman. 

The Lovely Eggs. Photograph by Darren Andrews.

As with everything Long Division does, keeping arts in Wakefield accessible is at its heart, meaning LD:TV will be free to access for all, though viewers and supporters are encouraged to donate.

Any funds raised from the daytime programme will go to Help Musicians, while those raised from the evening will be split between #WakefieldCares and payment for all contributing artists. 

LD:TV will host several other events over the weekend, including a premiere of local DIY heroes ‘Knuckle‘s triumphant concert film alongside DJ sets, live streams, interviews and more.

For more details and how to view LD:TV please head to http://longdivisionfestival.co.uk/ldtv

Long Division Director Dean Freeman:

“This temporary normal of not seeing friends and family, of no live music or socialising has been tough for lots of people. And though we’re excited for what November will bring, I couldn’t let June pass without some excitement. I put out a few tentative emails to our many friends from over the years and was really chuffed to have so many positive responses.

The idea behind the shows is not to overwhelm people with endless live streams, but almost present a ‘best-of’ Long Division, but with brand new, specially recorded songs and chats. The day time, more industry focused section will also be really useful to those in our community wondering what is next for live music. Make a brew, grab a beer and get a taste of those festival vibes ahead of November in Wakefield.”

Long Division Festival is supported by: Arts Council England, Wakefield Council, Backstage Academy, Wakefield BID, Yorkshire Music Forum, Leeds College of Music, Wakefield College and UNISON

Press Quotes

“Long Division festival continues to epitomise Wakefield’s revitalised scene” – Gigwise

“Music festival Long Division is energising teenagers into careers in the creative industries” – The Guardian

“Wakefield has established itself as an under-the-radar cultural hub and home to one of the best independent arts festivals in Europe” – Under The Radar Harry Ridgway – Hanglands

Photographs provided by Hanglands PR.

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