LIVE AT THE BEDFORD PRESENTS: WIGWAM AWARDS

 

 

Since its inception in 2016, independent radio station, Radio Wigwam has dedicated itself to champion and explore music from new, up and coming, under the radar musical talent from around the globe. To inspire the music of tomorrow through showcasing and giving radio air play and live event opportunities to those the mainstream radio stations often overlook.

The 8th Annual Awards in 2025 promises to be the best yet recognising the best emerging artists from the world over! Hosted on the 22nd & 23rd of January 2025 at The Bedford in London. The awards will be hosted by Tony Moore on the 23rd featuring live performances by Jack Ellis & The Contraband, George Bone, JJ Lovegrove and headlined by Blacklight Vice.

 

JACK ELLIS & THE CONTRABAND 

 

 

Jack Ellis is an award winning, multi-instrumentalist and singer songwriter from the southernmost point of South Wales. Crafting real songs from real stories his music takes influence from blues rock where his alternative production values and sharp hooks will appeal directly to fans of Jeff Buckley, The Black Keys, Gary Clarke Jr and Ben Howard.

Jack released his first solo recording ‘Pocket of Lint’ in 2014, which gained significant airplay from Edith Bowman (Virgin Radio), Adam Walton (BBC Introducing Wales), Andrew Shay (Nation Radio) and it also earned him a special guest appearance and live session with Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2, alongside Biffy
Clyro and Simon Le Bon.

Jack has now been joined by fellow talented musicians to make up Jack Ellis & The Contraband, featuring fellow award-winner Alcie Bela. No stranger to winning awards Jack will be right at home at The Bedford as he previously won Best Collaboration at the 2021 Wigwam Awards with Alcie Bela, Best Solo Artist Cardiff Music Awards 2017, Best Breakthrough Act Cardiff Music Awards and more!

 

GEORGE BONE

 

 

From touring the North-East of England whilst a music student at Durham University, to planning the release of his first-ever E.P. in mid-2023, George Bone has a prosperous future lined up, both as a songwriter and producer. George’s music delves deep into the Neo-Jazz genre, intertwining complicated harmonies with thought-provoking lyrical waxings and surreal soundscape. His stripped-back acoustic sets (weddings, functions and more intimate, original venues, performing both originals & covers) focus on providing an emotional, interactive experience that leaves the attendees craving more. Since being debuted on BBC Radio Essex in January 2019, with his track “One/Two Summer Fling”, George has gone from strength-to-strength, becoming a KALAB artist in February 2020, and numerously performing at The Camden Chapel and a multitude of various venues across the United Kingdom. George is the reigning Best Male Act after winning this coveted award in 2024 – a virtuoso performer not to be missed!

 

JJ LOVEGROVE 

 

 

JJ Lovegrove is a conceptual dark pop artist who has been featured, nominated and rewarded in Radio Wigwam for a number of years. As the current Best Female artist after winning the 2024 Best Female category, JJ is no stranger to the Bedford after performing on a Wigwam special event in 2023. JJ’s new ‘Unravelled: The Elegies’ was written, recorded & released in the space of 5 weeks & shared with her fans as part of her Halloween Countdown Calendar. JJ has received multiple accolades highlighting her ever-expanding fanbase.

 

BLACKLIGHT VICE

 

 

Blacklight Vice is a Southampton heavy rock sensation that delivers a blistering barrage of raunchy guitars, filthy riffs, and thumping rhythms that even your mother would love! Supporting renowned acts such as Saint Agnes, Mimi Barks, Bloodhounds, Raging Speedhorn, Anchor Lane, InMe, Kickin Valentina, Star Circus, The Midnight Devils, and many more!

Blacklight Vice underwent a transformative line-up change, embracing an even heavier sound that led them to clinch 1st place at the Radio Wigwam Awards, earning the title of “Best Hard Rock & Metal Act 2023/2024.” Their critically acclaimed single “Vultures,” dubbed “the f*ck you song,” received extensive radio exposure, gaining traction nationally and internationally on platforms like BBC Introducing, TotalRock Radio, HardRockHell, VoiceFM and Radio Wigwam.

With their electrifying performances and intense live presence, Blacklight Vice has been described as a “hard rock battering ram that immediately open fire with all gunsblazing.”

By invitation only; performance begins at 6:30 pm, Full Bar & Menu Available