29/07/2026
Some of you will already know this... but many of you won't.
For the past three years I've been working behind the scenes with the team at Breaking Bands offering support with media, creative projects and helping wherever I could.
During that time, what started as lending a hand grew into a fantastic working relationship, friendship and ultimately a shared vision for the future.
Together, we've discussed and planned to evolve Breaking Bands into what is now Ascendancy Festival.
This hasn’t been about leaving behind everything that made Breaking Bands so special because supporting grassroots music and giving emerging artists a platform will always remain at the very heart of what we do.
Ascendancy is a natural evolution of that vision.
Our newly visioned concept allows our community to discover incredible new talent on the Breaking Bands Stage and follow those artists as they grow, and celebrate them as they progress to the Ascendancy Stage.
It's about introducing a genuine pathway for artists while giving our community the opportunity to be part of the journey from the very beginning for both the artists and us as a festival.
I'm incredibly proud and honoured to say that I've officially joined the team as an active partner in Ascendancy Festival and will be helping shape its future.
This is something I don't take lightly, and for me it's far more than just becoming involved with a festival.
Music has always been one of the biggest parts of my life.
Whilst my taste in music is incredibly eclectic, it was my first festival that introduced me to an artist whose music helped me through some of the darkest periods of my life.
Their music helped me understand things I was experiencing that I couldn't put into words, and reminded me that I wasn't facing them alone.
I know I'm not unique in that experience.
Music isn't just entertainment.
It's a lifestyle.
It's a community.
It's therapy.
It's inspiration.
It helps people celebrate the greatest moments of their lives, and it helps countless others find strength during the hardest times.
Every single day, music changes lives.
Many of you will also know that I've spent over 16 years running The Right Crew Ltd, providing crew and stagehands for events across the UK.
I've also been fortunate enough to work behind the scenes on arena tours, festivals and corporate events helping to build, run and dismantle productions enjoyed by thousands of people.
Those experiences have given me a huge appreciation for what goes into creating unforgettable live events and the incredible people who make them happen.
At the same time, through HeartWork, my artwork and clothing designs are deeply inspired by music, creativity and alternative culture.
Being able to bring together my passion for music, my creative background and my experience within the live events industry into Ascendancy feels like everything I've done has naturally led me here.
We've already announced what I believe is an incredible inaugural line-up for our new home in Birmingham, and recently welcomed The Wildhearts as our Special Guests.
At the same time we introduced our Descendants supporters membership for those who want to become part of the Ascendancy family from day one.
But what excites me most isn't just the line-up.
It's the opportunity to help build something that people genuinely feel part of.
A festival where everyone is welcome.
A community where people look after one another.
A place where new artists are given the opportunity to grow, established artists can reconnect with passionate fans, and everyone can share unforgettable moments through the power of live music.
I know there's still so much for me to learn, and I'm excited to embrace every part of that journey.
I'll be bringing everything I have, my creativity, my experience, my passion and my drive. And I will help to shape Ascendancy not just as a fantastic festival, but a safe, welcoming and inclusive home for everyone who joins us.
To everyone who's supported me over the years through Heartwork, The Right Crew, Breaking Bands, the amazing people who welcomed me in and everything in between...
Thank you.
Your support, encouragement and belief in me has meant more than you'll ever know, and I can't wait to share this next chapter with all of you.
Here's to the future.
Welcome to Ascendancy.
And to finish off I have to say a huge thank you to Jay McGuire and Stacey for not only giving me some amazing opportunities to flourish, but also for supporting, believing and seeing the value in the skills I have to bring to the to the table.
To everyone Stay Awesome 🤘
