Headlining Sunday’s main event ‘X Factor Meets Britain’s Got Talent’ is none other than X Factor 2009 Finalist and all round favourite Olly Murs. In a massive coup for the organisers the charismatic performer will take time out of his hectic post-X Factor schedule to perform mainstage in what promises to be one of Sunday’s highlights.
Olly first grabbed the nation’s attention with his high energy performance of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition, combining original dance moves with a natural vocal ability. Known for his passion and versatility, Olly’s sheer showmanship impressed the judges time after time, earning him comparisons with industry favourite Robbie Williams – who he later went on to perform with.
Before X Factor the 25 year old from Withham, Essex worked in customer sales while dreaming of fame. Despite his ambitions Olly understood the hard work involved, and his down to earth attitude and tenacity saw him bounce back from difficulties including a fractured hand while remaining a modest, good humoured contestant throughout.
Olly has recently been performing on the show’s live arena tour and has also signed a joint record deal with Simon Cowell’s label Syco Music and Epic Records in what is said to be an industry first. With a timeless quality that makes him equally at ease putting his own spin on classics or contemporary music, Olly is a natural born performer of great style who always gives 110%.
If you’re thinking that Sunday’s looking like one party not to be missed, Saturday’s line up just got a little more sizzling. Notching up the tempo will be talented North London musician and hip-pop artist DJ Ironik. Blending a variety of genres from R&B, Grime, Pop and Hip Hop, the 22 year olds’ star is rapidly ascending with recent accolades including two nominations for Best Newcomer of 2008 at the prestigious MOBO Awards and the Urban Music Awards. He was also voted by viewers of MTV UK as third favourite artist of 2008.
Born James Christian Charters in Camden Town, by the age of 13 he was working the London scene, building a reputation for originality that got him noticed and gained him access to the international circuit. His first single ‘So Nice’ was released in 2007 to great acclaim and at the age of 20 he signed with Asylum records, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group with a reputation for signing cutting edge talent.
Ironik went on to collaborate with renowned fellow Grime artists Wiley and Chipmunk on his hit single ‘Stay With Me’ which reached number 5 in the charts, and with Sir Elton John on his reworking of ‘Tiny Dancer,’ the third single taken from his superb 2008 debut Album ‘No Point Wasting Tears.’ Ironik has recently supported Euro dance group Cascada on their UK tour and has been nominated for another MOBO (Best UK Act 2009) while working on his second album.
Further to signing up for Saturday 19th, Irish Indie marvels The Coronas have won Best Irish Album at the 10th Anniversary Meteor Music Awards in Dublin. The prestigious Irish equivalent to The Brits saw The Coronas fight off stiff competition from the likes of Snow Patrol, Bell X1 and U2, confirming that The Manx Telecom Bay Festival has it’s finger firmly on the pulse of the coolest sounds around.
The Festival is on 18 to 20 June. Tickets each night restricted to 7,000
