Battle festival’s global appeal

Keane fans all over the world have worked themselves into a frenzy over the news that band founder Tim Rice-Oxley has been confirmed as the festival’s patron.

The Ivor Novello Award-winning song-writer will lead the festival’s programme of nurturing talented young musicians, which will culminate in individual mentoring sessions in Battle during the October festival.

Since the Observer broke the news of Rice-Oxley’s involvement online, Keane fan groups from as far afield as Chile, Peru, Argentina, Spain and Canada have shared the story over social media platforms.

Now fans from all over the world are trying to get their hands on festival tickets.

Liz Honey, of the festival organising committee, said: “Tim Rice-Oxley’s appointment as patron has helped introduce the festival to a new, world-wide audience.

“We’ve already had contact from Keane fans, living as far afield as South America, enquiring when concert tickets can be purchased so that flights and local accommodation can booked.

“These fans are flying to the UK specifically for the festival thanks to Tim involvement.”

The Battle Arts & Music Festival summer concert will take place tomorrow (Saturday).

Titled ‘The Seasons: Vivaldi meets Piazzolla’, the programme fuses dance and tango with the exhilarating music of Antonio Vivaldi.

Tickets and details from www.BattleFestival.co.uk