Let your hair down to some great music

If your exams are over today or you fancy pulling a ‘sickie’ and taking a long weekend, then head down to Shoreditch.

The Stag and Dagger festival, now in its fourth year, is a ‘one ticket gives access to all’ event in the style of the Camden Crawl.

It is set to engulf some of East London’s trendiest venues, including The Macbeth, XOYO, and 93 Feet East on May the 19th.

Bands such as New Young Pony Club, Gatekeeper, and Toro Y Moi are amongst the head liners playing across 11 of East London’s hottest live music spots.

Stephanie Knox, who fields press enquiries for the event, said the festival was aimed at creating a buzz and promoting underground music:

“It’s about showcasing up-and-coming bands alongside a few more established acts. We go to the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas every year and try to get the hottest acts over for Stag and Dagger,” she said.

“The event is designed for all music fans, but Shoreditch being Shoreditch, East London being East London, I guess our main audience will be the young trend setters in the area.”

Jason, 22, who recently completed a degree at Goldsmiths College in New Cross, agreed: “It should be a big night out!”

“I’ve only heard of a couple of the bands but that’s the point really, isn’t it?

“It costs less than a standard gig and you get to see loads of great new bands and go to different places.”

His friend, Jin, was equally enthusiastic: “A big night out to end the year, it’s just what you want. No, actually, it’s what you need!”

Wristbands for the Stag and Dagger cost £13.50 and are available through the festival’s website.

After the debauchery planned for Thursday night in E1, Stag and Dagger will move on to Glasgow for May 21st.

:: James Laird