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Mencap are now giving people a chance to win a range of exciting memorabilia from the shows

Following the huge success of this year’s Mencap Little Noise Sessions, which saw artists such as Gary Barlow, The Maccabees, Noah and the Whale, Richard Hawley, Amy MacDonald and Olly Murs take to the stage for six nights of amazing live performances, Mencap are now giving people a chance to win a range of exciting memorabilia from the shows.

Among the money-can’t-buy prizes up for auction now on eBay are: 2 VIP Golden tickets to every show at Little Noise Sessions 2013, a meet and greet with Olly Murs + 4 tickets to one of his 2013 arena dates, a custom guitar designed and signed by The Maccabees, a Noah and the Whale signed musical score and Gary Barlow’s red snakeskin boots worn on the Relight My Fire Ultimate Tour.

All profits from the auction will go to Mencap, the leading UK charity that works in partnership with people with learning disabilities helping to enable them to live a life they choose. Happy bidding!

Items for auction:

Little Noise Sessions Programme signed by The Maccabees
Little Noise Sessions Programme signed by Olly Murs
Limited Edition Hand Pulled Silk Screen Prints
Noah and the Whale Signed Musical Score
T-Shirt Signed by Amy MacDonald
Tea Towel Signed by Amy MacDonald
Underwear signed by The Maccabees
Underwear signed by Olly Murs
Tivoli Audio Pal+ Union Jack Edition Radio signed by Olly Murs
Photograph signed by Coldplay
‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge’ Richard Hawley signed and framed print
Meet and greet with Olly Murs & 4 tickets to any one of his 2013 Arena Tours
LariveeOM-02E Guitar and case signed by Gary Barlow
Washburn ‘Rover N Travel’ acoustic guitar signed by Gary Barlow
Fender Squier Affinity Stratcoaster designed and signed by The Maccabees
2 VIP Golden Tickets to every Little Noise Sessions Show 2013
Boots worn by Gary Barlow for Relight My Fire Ultimate Tour

Visit the auction on Ebay here.

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Keane have cancelled and been replaced by Newton Faulkner

Here's the statement from Keane:
Hello Everyone,

Unfortunately we've got to pull out of performing a short set at tonight's Little Noise show… I'm afraid I've caught this bug that's going around and I can't hit the high notes! We're gutted to be missing out on such a great night but we hope you all have lots of fun - the lineup looks amazing! Obviously we'd love to come back and make up for it some time in the future, so we'll see you then.

Lots of love,
Tom x

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Mencap announces a very special performance from Keane’s Tom Chaplin and Tim Rice-Oxley on Sunday 25th November

Nell Bryden, Josephine and Laura Mvula to support Gary Barlow on Monday 19th November

Tom Odell to replace Daughter on Saturday 24th November  

Ahead of next week’s shows, Mencap is delighted to reveal very special guests for the closing night on Sunday 25th November: Keane’s Tom Chaplin and Tim Rice-Oxley. Currently touring arenas across the country and with five consecutive number one albums and countless awards under their belts, Tim and Tom will be taking to the stage in a very rare outing without their band mates in the intimate surrounds of St-John-at-Hackney Church. Joining Karin Park and Amy Macdonald, they will be the closing performance of what is set to be a week of incredible music.  

Supporting Gary Barlow on Monday 19th November are three of the best female soul voices of the moment. Birmingham’s Laura Mvula creates mystery with her poetic lyrics, whilst Brooklyn’s Nell Bryden is sure to enthrall with her reflective storytelling. Having recently made her TV debut on Later With Jools Holland, Josephine completes Monday’s line up with her inimitable folk-soul-indie-pop infused sound and euphoric voice.

On Saturday 24th November, classically trained Chichester born Tom Odell will be replacing Daughter. Dubbed the ‘Piano Man’ by critics, the 21-year old will be joining Lucy Rose and Noah & The Whale on Saturday, and alongside acts including Olly Murs, Richard Hawley, The Maccabees and Jessie Ware at this year’s series of concerts.  

Monday 19th November: Gary Barlow with Laura Mvula, Josephine and Nell Bryden
Tuesday 20th November: Olly Murs with support from Lawson and Loveable Rogues
Wednesday 21st November: Richard Hawley with support from First Aid Kit and King Charles
Friday 23rd November: The Maccabees with support from Jamie N Commons and Jessie Ware
Saturday 24th November: Noah & the Whale with Villagers, special guests Lucy Rose and Tom Odell
Sunday 25th November: Amy Macdonald with Karin Park and very special guests, Keane’s Tim Rice-Oxley and Tom Chaplin   

Jo Whiley had this to say about Little Noise Sessions 2012: “I’m so excited to be hosting Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions for the seventh year running! What’s more, we’re back at St John-at-Hackney Church, which inspired a truly electric atmosphere for fans and artists alike last year – there really is nothing more extraordinary than seeing big artists perform in such an intimate and beautiful venue.”  

Tickets on sale at: www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk/tickets    

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Mencap announces very special guest Gary Barlow for Little Noise Sessions

Monday 19th November date added

For the first time in its history, Mencap will be adding an extra date to this year’s Little Noise Sessions to welcome Gary Barlow. Having just sold out his 17-date arena tour in minutes, Gary’s appearance at the 1,200 capacity St John-at-Hackney Church on Monday 19th November will provide fans with an unrivalled opportunity to see him in such an intimate setting.

In addition to being one of Britain’s biggest pop stars, an award-winning song writer and a judge on X Factor, Gary is a committed philanthropist and is renowned for organising and taking part in many large projects for charity. He joins the likes of Olly Murs, Richard Hawley, The Maccabees, Amy Macdonald, Noah and the Whale and Jessie Ware at this year’s series of concerts.

Monday 19th November: Gary Barlow with guests
Tuesday 20th November: Olly Murs with support from Lawson and Loveable Rogues
Wednesday 21st November: Richard Hawley with support from First Aid Kit and King Charles
Thursday 22nd November: TBA
Friday 23rd November: The Maccabees with support from Jamie N Commons and Jessie Ware
Saturday 24th November: Noah & the Whale with Villagers, special guest Lucy Rose and Daughter
Sunday 25th November: Amy Macdonald with Karin Park and very special guests

Jo Whiley had this to say about Little Noise Sessions 2012: “I’m so excited to be hosting Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions for the seventh year running! What’s more, we’re back at St John-at-Hackney Church, which inspired a truly electric atmosphere for fans and artists alike last year – there really is nothing more extraordinary than seeing big artists perform in such an intimate and beautiful venue.”

Pre-sale tickets for will be available from 9am on Thursday 1st November to people who have signed up to the Mencap Little Noise backstage area. www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk/subscribe

Tickets will go on general sale on Friday 2nd November: www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk/tickets

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Mencap announces further acts for Little Noise Sessions

including headliners Olly Murs and Amy Macdonald and support from Lawson

Special guest Jessie Ware joins The Maccabees and Jamie N Commons on Friday 23rd Nov

Karin Park and Loveable Rogues also confirmed to play

Following the first announcement which included Richard Hawley, The Maccabees and Noah and the Whale, Mencap are delighted to announce further names including Olly Murs, Lawson, Jessie Ware and Amy Macdonald for this year’s Little Noise Sessions, which are taking place in St John-at-Hackney Church next month from 20th – 25th November 2012.

Tuesday 20th November: Olly Murs with support from Lawson and Loveable Rogues
Wednesday 21st November: Richard Hawley with support from First Aid Kit and King Charles
Thursday 22nd November: TBA
Friday 23rd November: The Maccabees with support from Jamie N Commons and Jessie Ware
Saturday 24th November: Noah & the Whale with Villagers, special guest Lucy Rose and Daughter
Sunday 25th November: Amy Macdonald with Karin Park and very special guests

Newly confirmed to headline Tuesday 20th November is Olly Murs. Originally rising to fame on X Factor, Murs has since graduated to the class of bona fide pop star, having enjoyed four Number One singles, two double Platinum-selling albums and live shows in venues as vast as the O2 Arena. Main support will come from pop four-piece Lawson, who’s debut album Chapman Square is out this week, with further support from Loveable Rogues who shot to fame on this year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Friday’s very special guest is finally revealed as none other than London songstress Jessie Ware, who continues to cement her reputation as one of the most exciting vocalists to emerge from the UK underground following acclaimed collaborations with artists such as Sampha and SBTRKT.

Finally, on Sunday 25th November, multimillion album selling Scottish singer/songwriter Amy Macdonald will be taking to the stage. Back with a brand new top 10 album Life in a Beautiful Light, Macdonald is renowned for her pop/rootsy folk-rock sound and her refreshingly honest live performances which don’t rely on dancers, expensive props or gimmicks.

She will be joined by Sweden’s hottest new export, Karin Park, who has recently been reigniting the Scandi electronic scene with her own injection of dark, synth driven goth-pop. Together with Macdonald and the very special guests still to be announced, she is the ideal candidate to close the Sessions; certain to deliver an electrifying performance in the chapel.

Jo Whiley had this to say about Little Noise Sessions 2012: “I’m so excited to be hosting Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions for the seventh year running! What’s more, we’re back at St John-at-Hackney Church, which inspired a truly electric atmosphere for fans and artists alike last year – there really is nothing more extraordinary than seeing big artists perform in such an intimate and beautiful venue.”

Pre-sale tickets for Tuesday 20th November and Sunday 25th November will be available from 9am on Monday 29th October to people who have signed up to the Mencap Little Noise backstage area. www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk/subscribe

Tickets will go on general sale on Wednesday 31st October: www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk/tickets

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Mencap reveals Little Noise Sessions line up!

The Maccabees, Noah and the Whale and Richard Hawley headline with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks

Exclusive pre-sale opens tomorrow; general sale from Monday 8 October

MENCAP’S LITTLE NOISE SESSIONS IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOSHIBA

20-25 November 2012 St John-at-Hackney Church Curated by Radio 2 DJ and Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley

Tuesday 20 November: TBA
Wednesday 21 November: Richard Hawley with support from First Aid Kit and special guest King Charles
Thursday 22 November: TBA
Friday 23 November: The Maccabees present ‘Given To The Wild with support from Jamie N Commons and a very special guest
Saturday 24 November: Noah and the Whale with Villagers, special guest Lucy Rose and Daughter
Sunday 25 November: TBA

Mencap Little Noise Sessions, in association with Toshiba, are back for their seventh year – and there’s positively nothing ‘little’ about this year’s line up!

Set in the iconic St John-at-Hackney Church, Mencap’s annual winter music festival is set to host six nights of must-see concerts from 20-25 November. Kicking off with the revered sounds of Richard Hawley, right through to The Maccabees performing their new album, ‘Given To The Wild’, you won’t want to miss out.

Event: Mencap Little Noise Sessions
Dates: 20-25 November 2012
Venue: St John-at-Hackney Church, E5 0PD
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm
Ticket agent: Ticketmaster

Pre-sale tickets will be available from tomorrow, 5 October, to people who have signed up to Mencap Little Noises’ backstage area and to Toshiba UK fans who are subscribed to a special Little Noise Session area on their Facebook page. So if you don’t want to miss out on seeing your favourite artists, sign up for the pre-sale now!

Tickets will go on general sale on Monday 8 October through Ticketmaster on the Little Noise Sessions website at: www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk/tickets.

BBC Radio 2 DJ and Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley will be curating the Little Noise Sessions:

“I’m so excited to be hosting Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions for the seventh year running! What’s more, we’re back at St John-at-Hackney Church, which inspired a truly electric atmosphere for fans and artists alike last year – there really is nothing more extraordinary than seeing big artists perform in such an intimate and beautiful venue. We have a week of incredible shows lined up, all in aid of Mencap and supporting people with a learning disability. I’ll see you there!”

Wednesday 21 November
In a performance that is set to captivate his audience, singer-songwriter Richard Hawley will headline on Wednesday 21 November, performing songs from his Mercury Prize nominated album, ‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge’. Hawley will be accompanied by big-voiced Swedish indie/folk duo, First Aid Kit, as well as the truly inimitable King Charles.

Friday 23 November
What better way to start the weekend started than by watching The Maccabees perform their new album ‘Given To The Wild’, which has been shortlisted for this year’s Mercury Award and dubbed a sprawling masterpiece of distorted pop, psychadelia and soulful guitar wig outs. The Londoners will be joined on Friday 23 November by blues singer Jamie N Commons, who is fresh from a summer of acclaimed festival performances throughout Europe. And if this wasn’t exciting enough, a very special guest is lined up to make a surprise appearance that you won’t want to miss!

Saturday 24 November
Leaders of the British folk-rock scene, Noah and the Whale, will be headlining on Saturday 24 November with a very special solo acoustic performance from Villagers’ Conor O’Brien. Special guest Lucy Rose will then dazzle the Little Noise crowd, fresh from launching her debut album ‘Like I Used To’, ahead of London duo Daughter topping off what’s set to be an incredible night.

Further line-up announcements are to follow in the coming weeks.

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Save The Date!

Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions curated by Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley are back for the 7th year running. After rave reviews in 2011 Little Noise is returning to the the incredible church, St John-at-Hackney. It promises to be another set of unmissable shows so join us to celebrate 6 nights of simply stunning gigs in aid of learning disability charity Mencap.

Put these dates in your diary 20-25th November 2012 and don’t forget to subscribe for priority tickets, extra footage, competitions and auctions.

See you there!

More announcements to follow in the coming weeks….

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Grab Yourself A Piece Of Little Noise History

MENCAP’S LITTLE NOISE SESSIONS MEMORABILIA AUCTION
BID FOR EXCLUSIVE SIGNED ITEMS FROM: COLDPLAY, ELBOW, EXAMPLE PLUS MANY MORE…
FOR ONE WEEK ONLY 12 - 19 DECEMBER

Learning disability charity Mencap is celebrating the festive season and a hugely successful sixth annual Little Noise Sessions, with an exclusive online auction. From 12 December a range of one-off signed goodies will be up for grabs from Ebay with all proceeds going to the charity.

2011’s Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions, took place from 22 – 27 November, curated by Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley and featured headline acts including; Elbow, Marina & The Diamonds, Coldplay’s Chris Martin & Jonny Buckland, Goldfrapp, Example and Sinead O’Connor.

From Monday 12 December, Mencap has a range of exclusive items from the last few years of Little Noise Sessions up for auction. From a keyboard played and signed by Elbow to 7” records, T-shirts donated by Example, signed Coldplay photographs, Christmas baubles signed by Marina & The Diamonds and a Golden Ticket to all of 2012’s shows. This could be your chance to bag yourself the perfect keepsake or Christmas gift, with all money raised going to Mencap. Log on to Ebay and start bidding.

All auctions will start on Monday 12 December for just one week, just in time to be posted out for Christmas. Bids for some items are starting at just £1, so there’s a chance for everyone to take part.

Signed items from artists performing at Little Noise Sessions 2011 include:
Nord Keyboard signed by Elbow
Larrivée Guitar signed by Coldplay to ‘the amazing Mencap’
‘Lego House’ made and signed by Ed Sheeran
Plastic baubles (x2) signed by Marina & The Diamonds
Photographs signed by Coldplay (x3)
Little Noise Sessions 2011 Programme signed by Elbow
Silver drinks tray signed by Elbow - The band used this tray on stage at each of their performances this year (including Little Noise which was their final show) to do a whiskey toast for their 20th birthday together.
Three 7” signed records & (x4 sets) signed t-shirt by Example
Golden ticket – access to all of Little Noise Sessions 2012’s gigs (to be announced)

Signed items from artists who performed at previous Little Noise Sessions include:
Nord Keyboard signed by the Pet Shop Boys
The Killers record insert signed by The Killers
Larrivée Guitar signed by Lostprophets
Larrivée Guitar signed by Paulo Nutini

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Little Noise Sessions 2011 Round Up

Well Little Noise Sessions is over for another year and what an event we’ve had. We were welcomed to our new home at St John at Hackney, taking residence for 6 days to present a series of performances by artists curated by Jo Whiley in aid of Mencap

Elbow headlined our opening sell-out night, with strong support from soulful Maverick Sabre and Ren Harvieu who has just made the BBC’s ‘Sound of 2012’ shortlist. During Elbow’s performance, the band toasted shots of whiskey, as has been customary for them throughout the year, to celebrate their 20th birthday together. A fantastic piece of fan memorabilia, we have the drinks tray signed by the band on auction now. Check out the full critic’s review of the night here.

Marina and the Diamonds headlined the 23rd November, with support from Icona Pop and Spark. Icona Pop’s energetic drumstick-beating performance to their catchy electropop tunes earned them many new fans, whilst Marina’s first gig of the year was both a heartfelt and intimate performance.

Described by Jo Whiley as her dream lineup, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland headlined our mammoth 3rd night, with support from the fantastic Ben Howard, Emeli Sande, Michael Kiwanuka (also shortlisted by critics for the ‘Sound of 2012’ list) to new emerging artist Bebe Black. Chris and Jonny put on a wonderful 10-song set that saw the crowd sing along to latest hit ‘Paradise’ and finished with a two-song encore including fan favourite ‘Fix You’. The Guardian’s Mark Beaumont described the entertaining onstage chat between Chris and Jonny as adding to “the wit, warmth and intimacy of an enchanted evening”.

Morning Parade opened the night of the 25th, followed by the breathtaking Alpines, who silenced the church crowd with their powerful and soulful set including the beautiful single ‘Cocoons’. Father Rob later made a brief appearance to bless the stage with smokes of frankincense, creating a magical visual scene. Headliners Goldfrapp put on a truly fantastic acoustic performance, with Alison Goldfrapp’s unique vocals complemented by a string section including cellos, violins and harps. Check out the past present and future blog for a review with lovely photos from the evening.

Example headlined our penultimate night, with hordes of fans braving the cold from as early as 10am to ensure their position at the front of the queue. He took time out in the Little Noise greenroom to give an exclusive interview to Mencap volunteers from Raising Your Game, details of which can be found here. During his set, Example was joined on stage by earlier support Ed Sheeran to arguably the loudest cheers of the week performing ‘Changed the Way You Kissed Me’. Other acts on the night included Fenech Soler and Birdy, who at just 15, put on a breathtaking first live performance of her rapidly blossoming career.

Our final night was lead by a wonderful acoustic performance by James Vincent McMorrow, whose fantastic vocal range and set the bar high for the evening. His cover of Chris Isaak’s ‘Wicked Games’ sent goosebumps rippling through the appreciative crowd, whilst King Creosote’s wonderful charismatic set proved why he was a very deserving Mercury Music Prize nominee. Ending our week-long fundraising gigs would be a challenge for any artist, but Sinead O’Connor put behind her 4 years of UK gig absence to provide us with a heartfelt, strong and fearless performance. Gaining a 5* review from John Aizlewood, Sinead O’Connor provided Little Noise fans with a truly epic end to an epic week.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to all those at St John at Hackney for letting us take over their church to make these gigs possible, as well as massive thanks to Jo Whiley for doing the impossible and continuing to help make every Little Noise Sessions even more incredible than the last.

Some signed memorabilia from gigs are now available on auction from our ‘mencapevents’ ebay store. From a guitar signed by Coldplay to a ‘Lego House’ signed by Ed Sheeran, there are potentially some very special Christmas presents to be bought!


Interviews and performances from some of the nights at Little Noise Sessions will be on Channel 4 on Tuesday 13th December at 00:45am- so set your recorders now!

For more pictures from all our nights, check out our Facebook album.

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See you this week!

We can hardly believe it's that time of year again! We're currently busy filling our suitcases with enough t-shirts, trainers and Berrocca to keep us going through another amazing run of Little Noise Sessions. We can't wait to see you all in our new home, the gorgeous St John at Hackney.

You're going to LOVE it!

What is more, our AMAZING new venue will have all of your creature comfort needs sorted. The team behind the award winning cocktail bar Milk & Honey and Italian-American bar and restaurant, Giant Robot are running the bars at this year's Little Noise Sessions and, unlike previous years, you'll be able to enjoy a tipple while you're watching the shows! Our new bar will feature beer, wine, spirits AND cocktails (our personal faves being the 'Ma-hoo-sive Mojitos' & Gin Punch).

Those of you after a little something more substantial (and sobering) will be pleased to know that the wonderful people behind Eat Street will be inviting along some of London's tastiest, and hippest, street food vendors to serve you deliciously healthly grub before, during and after the shows.

Right, we better stop blogging and get back to what we do best: putting on one of the biggest and best live winter music festivals in London.
See you this week!
xxx

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COLDPLAY’S CHRIS MARTIN & JONNY BUCKLAND PERFORM AN EXCLUSIVE SHOW FOR MENCAP’S LITTLE NOISE SESSIONS

We are ever so excited to announce Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland will be headlining on Thursday 24 November, completing the line up for Little Noise Sessions 2011. Joining the bill are: Ben Howard, Emeli Sande, Michael Kiwanuka and Bebe Black.

Tickets go on general release from 10am on 7 November with an exclusive presale for subscribers from 10am on 4 November. Sure to sell out fast subscribe NOW at www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk

Due to unprecedented demand we have also released additional tickets for the following SOLD OUT shows: Tuesday 22 November with Elbow, Maverick Sabre and Ren Harvieu. Friday 25 November with Goldfrapp and Alpines. Saturday 26 November with Example, Ed Sheeran, Birdy and Fenech Soler. These tickets go on sale from 10am on 4 November.

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Back with a bang for the 6th year running...

Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions curated by Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley, are back with a bang for the 6th year running - and there’s definitely nothing little about 2011’s line up. Taking residency in our new home the iconic church, St John-at-Hackney this is going to be an unmissable set of shows. Join us to celebrate 6 nights of simply stunning, acoustic gigs in aid of learning disability charity Mencap.

Tickets go on general release from 10 October with an exclusive presale for subscribers from 7 October.

On Tuesday 22 November, we welcome critic’s choice Elbow to the Altar with open arms, as they headline this year’s opening night. With stadium shows under their belts, Elbow will bring their award winning sound to Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions. Supported by an exclusive solo performance from Maverick Sabre, a singer songwriter who has his name ringing around the world right now and rightly so.

Elbow front-man Guy Garvey said; ”We are dead proud to be added to the list of amazing bands that have done the Little Noise Sessions for Jo Whiley and Mencap. In fact we have organised a warm up tour of Europe before the show to make sure we are in tip top condition when we play!”

Headlining Wednesday 23 November is singer-songwriter Marina & The Diamonds. Working on the much-awaited follow up to her critically-acclaimed debut album The Family Jewels Marina is now set to make her mark on Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions. Next is, up and coming Swedish duo Icona Pop who’s pop enthused tunes are sure to enthral the audience in the atmospheric setting of St John-at-Hackney. Kick starting the evening is Spark, an innovative East London girl already making waves with her live shows.

With 5 stunning albums to date, Goldfrapp have cemented their reputation as one of the most consistently inventive and genuinely unique live acts around. Set to take Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions by storm on Friday 25 November, Goldfrapp’s hypnotic, electronic pulse is sure to get the congregation on their feet! Joining them for a Friday night to remember are electronic duo Alpines. Hailing from Kingston Upon Thames, Alpines atmospheric songs are the perfect addition to the night.

Returning for his second appearance at Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions on Saturday 26 November is Example. His captivating performance wowed the crowds in 2010 so expect another epic offering from the London artist. Joining him is the multi-talented, hot newcomer Ed Sheeran who’s single ‘The A Team’ won over fans earlier this year. Next up is Birdy, a gifted young singer whose beautiful sound has made her one not to be missed. Opening the night will be Fenech Soler whose heavenly chorus of voices combine glistening synths and dirty brass to create their foot stomping sound.

More announcements to follow in the coming weeks…

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