The dates for the 2004 edition of the Noorderslag Weekend are set for 8, 9 & 10 January, and will again take place in the city of Groningen, the Netherlands. Over the three days this increasingly important and effective event incorporates two festivals: EuroSonic and the Noorderslag Festival alongside an industry convention, the Noorderslag Seminar.

The Noorderslag Weekend aims to cater for music lover's and to provide a first class networking and learning platform for both the wider European live music industry and the Dutch music industry. Noorderslag has built a reputation as one of the friendliest festivals in Europe, and has established a track record for the discovery of new music and artists. The event attracts prominent representatives from European festivals, EBU radio, promoters, agents, bookers and managers, as well as full attendance by the Dutch music industry for the Noorderslag Seminar.

The Seminar:

Last years highlights included the keynote speech by Miles Copeland, the online Music Media debate, VIP-Booking.com's own panel "Ticket prices up, share prices down", which this particular News Editor had the pleasure of hosting. Meetings were held by several key industry organisations including: The Network, Yourope, EBU and IMMF. With over 1400 attendants and over 35 panels and meetings, Noorderslag Seminar can certainly lay claim to being considered the most important music business conference in North West Europe.

More details about the Noorderslag 2004 day program will be announced from 1st November onwards.

EuroSonic - The Music:

In its nine years of existence, EuroSonic has grown to prominence in European showcase festivals. With over 130 bands performing, EuroSonic provides a great capacity to provide a platform for new talent from all over Europe. Representatives from the international live music industry and the international music media use the festival to keep up to date with what's happening, while a large number of EuroSonic shows are broadcast to millions of radio listeners all over Europe by Holland's Radio 3FM in conjunction with the European Broadcasting Union. EuroSonic takes place in over twenty-five venues, with capacities varying from 150 to 1000, all within a five-minute walk of each other in the city centre of Groningen. A combination of solid support by the main European booking agents, enthusiastic audiences and a strong media presence at the Showcases has helped to make this a sold out event for many years now.

Noorderslag Festival:

Taking place on seven stages under one roof in De Oosterpoort venue Noorderslag Festival features some 50 acts, representing the most promising upcoming and established talent from the pop, rock and dance scenes of the Netherlands. The Festival is widely regarded as the best way to tune in to new sounds coming out of the Netherlands.

Showcases: To apply for a showcase at EuroSonic and/or Noorderslag, please send information to: Oosterpoort/Noorderslag P.O. Box 775 9700 GRONINGEN The Netherlands.