20 November 2012
Russell Cook
After six successful years, Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions is once again in the midst of hosting a plethora of genuine musical talent. Set in the iconic location of St John-at-Hackney Church, Mencap’s annual winter music festival is set to cement its reputation as a unique and distinguished occasion. Curated by Mencap ambassador Jo Whiley, this year's line-up includes stellar headline performances from The Maccabees, Noah and the Whale, Richard Hawley, Amy Macdonald, and British pop favourite, Gary Barlow who had the honour of getting the week's proceedings up and running, last night!
Support comes from some of the biggest breakthrough acts of 2012, with First Aid Kit, Lucy Rose, Jamie N Commons, King Charles, Daughter, Villagers, and Karin Park, along with several other special guests, in an attempt to draw further attention from masses of UK music lovers to Mencap and it's ongoing cause, ultimately giving those with learning disabilities the chance and support to lead the life that they wish to lead.
Captivating singer-songwriter Richard Hawley will be headlining Wednesday 21st November, performing songs from his Mercury Prize nominated album ‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge’ and will be accompanied by Swedish delights First Aid Kit and the truly inimitable King Charles. Mercury Award nominated 5-piece The Maccabees will be showcasing an exclusive performance of their critically acclaimed album ‘Given to the Wild’ in its entirety on Friday 23rd November and will be joined by blues singer Jamie N Commons, who is fresh from a summer of acclaimed festival performances throughout Europe.
Favourites of the British folk-rock scene, Noah & the Whale, will be headlining the Saturday with support from Irish native Conor O’Brien - aka Villagers, Daughter and special guest Lucy Rose, with the fantastic Amy Macdonald set to headline the Sunday evening with support from Karin Park, winding up the week's varied and exciting events, with the recent addition of very special guests Tom Chaplin and Tim Rice-Oxley of Keane.
Of the Little Noise Sessions 2012, Ambassador, Jo Wholly had this to say:
“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.”
With real diversity and a wealth in talent involved, along with the fantastically unique location of St-John-at-Hackney Church, the Little Noise Sessions is set to make a real clamour and raise greater awareness of the great work that Mencap does.
The full line-up is below:
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 Tom Chaplin and Tim Rice-Oxley
