NBCUniversal International (NBCUI) today announced the launch of its Unlock Virtual Festival – in aid of The Prince’s Trust ‘Million Makers’ – starting on Saturday, 17 October. The virtual festival will be hosted by Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon and new Trinidad and Tobago ‘chilled calypso’ artist Kalpee, with CMA award winning radio and TV broadcaster, Baylen Leonard, taking over hosting duties of the country music strand on Sundays. The multi-weekend experience will feature a free series of pre-recorded, virtual performances and segments from music artists, comedians and influencers live streamed on a dedicated YouTube channel HERE and donations from “attendees” will raise valuable funds for the youth charity.
As 2020 has been a year like no other, the Unlock Virtual Festival aims to “unlock” entertainment and events that have been cancelled so audiences can enjoy exclusive content in the comfort and safety of their own homes – while raising money for The Prince’s Trust. The virtual festival will feature performances from over 250 acts, across four segments: Lifestyle, Music, Comedy and Musical Theatre that will be introduced by hosts Liz McClarnon, Kalpee and Baylen Leonard each week.
Starting Saturday, 17 October at 5pm a variety of exciting content will be released each weekend for four weeks via YouTube live stream. Saturdays will feature Lifestyle, Music and Comedy, including mouthwatering recipe ideas, both familiar faces and rising music stars, and hilarious comedy. On Sundays new Lifestyle material will be posted including wellness and fitness workshops, alongside great Musical Theatre songs from the West End, and a range of Country Music. Following the livestream, all content will then be available to watch on the Unlock Virtual Festival YouTube channel until Sunday, 31 January 2021.
On the kick off weekend, appearances will include:
Saturday, October 17:
5pm Lifestyle (food): Italian food experts Pasta Grannies; and mixology experts The Bonneville Cocktail Collection
5.30pm Music: Acoustic singer and songwriter Jack Savoretti; singer and member of the girl group Girls Aloud Nadine Coyle; singer-songwriter Louis III; and modern soul singer Vincent Darby
10pm Comedy: Edinburgh Comedy Award-winner, actor, writer and performance poet Tim Key; multi award-winner and critically acclaimed comedian Garry Starr; and winner of the Scottish Comedian of the Year and BBC New Comedy awards Stephen Buchanan
Sunday, October 18:
5pm Lifestyle (wellness & fitness): Personal Trainer and group fitness instructor Honey Fine Fitness; and fitness influencer Em Rickettz
5.30pm Musical Theatre: Music from the West End including songs from Mamma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Last Five Years sung by David O’Mahony; and songs from On the Town and Aspects of Love sung by Charlotte De Graaf
6.30pm Country Music: Platinum-selling country singer and songwriter Jimmie Allen; emerging country duo Holloway Road; singer, songwriter, dancer and actress Twinnie; and country-R&B influenced singer-songwriter Kevin McGuire
While schedules will vary on subsequent weekends, the start time will be 5pm on both Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, and the content will be available to view until January 2021.
The virtual festival aims to entertain UK audiences and to raise money for The Prince’s Trust, as part of their Million Makers annual initiative. Youth charity, The Prince’s Trust, supports young people in the UK aged 11 to 30 from a variety of backgrounds, giving them the confidence and skills to realise their potential. Million Makers is a fundraising challenge that sees teams of employees, from companies across the UK, set to raise funds for the charity, over a six-month period.
Attendees of the virtual festival are encouraged to support the youth charity by making a donation at the JustGiving fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/UnlockFestival. All money raised will make a difference to young people across the UK, helping to unlock the potential for disadvantaged youths by helping them access teaching, training and jobs.
More information on the Unlock Virtual Festival – including the weekend agendas and line-ups – will be announced in the coming weeks on the festival’s social channels:
Instagram and Facebook: @unlockvirtualfestival
Twitter: @unlockfestival
Website: www.unlockfestival.co.uk
