Coldplay and La Roux at Exeter Castle
Coldplay and La Roux played an outstanding concert at the Exeter Castle in December 2009, as part of Mencap's new Big Noise Session. The concert marked a homecoming for Chris, who was born and bred in Exeter.
The stunning Exeter Castle served as a backdrop for this unique event, which was staged inside a marquee transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland. It was in this festive, intimate setting that La Roux and Coldplay performed unique, stripped-back sets. Lily Allen was to also play, but could could not attend due to illness. She was replaced by the Tiverton Brass Band.
Fans travelled from as far as Germany and Italy to attend this unique, star studded concert.
Says Chris Martin: "I don't think there could be a better way to end the decade... La Roux, Lily Allen, Jo Whiley - what more can you ask for? We're proud to support Mencap and, for me, it's exciting to play my hometown. We haven't played there since 2000. It's going to be really, really special."
Says Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley (who is behind the Little Noise Sessions): "This gig has all the right ingredients... a beautiful location, Christmas spirit, one of the best bands in the world and special friends all in an intimate setting. Add mulled wine, mistletoe, candles and carols and this will be the ultimate winter warmer. I couldn't be more thrilled that Coldplay, Lily and La Roux want to make a big festive Noise for Mencap."
For further information
visit the Exeter Castle Events page [inc. video links]
or www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk
Exeter Castle — The hidden gem
Following nearly a thousand years of crown occupation, the Exeter Castle is to rejoin the heart of the City and provide a spectacular venue, offering unique spaces for culture, heritage, dining and commerce.
Otherwise known as Rougemont, Exeter Castle has recently been opened to the public as a setting for a programme of exciting and diverse activities. Not only is it used as the home for various artists, residents and businesses, but it is also the host of music, charitable and festival events. Diversity is encouraged and welcomed on the site.
Set in an elevated position only 150 meteres from the bustling high street, Exeter castle overlooks the city of Exeter, standing on a hill of reddish rock and basalt, lava from an extinct volcano from where the name Rougemont ‘the red hill’ is derived.
The site gives unrivalled trading opportunities, sited in two acres of landscaped courtyard within the prestigious Cultural quarter of the City of Exeter. The commercial opportunities will be strengthened by a coordinated programme of events, taking place both within the Castle and in the adjoining historic gardens of Northernhay and Rougemont.
The Late, Late Summer Party at the Castle, 2009
The Late, Late Summer Party in aid of Families for Children was an outstanding success. This fine party, held mid-September at the Exeter Castle, featured live music by Chris Jagger , an art exhibition, cocktails, hog roast, and a silent auction. Now that the band has gone and the hog is eaten, the organisers would like to share this open letter that testifies to the evening's success:
just a quick note to thank everyone for your great generosity at the Late Late Summer party auction. In the preparation Nick and I had not discussed our relative guesstimates on the final total and, as I was guessing at £10,000, I was a little nervous ten minutes before we started when Nick said he was hoping for £15,000!
In fact, the total you raised for Families for Children was £21,780…!!
Particularly given our somewhat straitened times, that is an absolutely incredible total and I know the Families for Children team are absolutely thrilled. We would just like to say a particular thank you for the very generous Lot donations, and of course the great generosity of the winning bidders.’
Written by Hugh Eaton OBE, MA Defence and Intelligence Director, Cisco.
