The Heavy Music Awards has today (November 20) revealed it is set to expand with its third annual event scheduled to take place at London’s famous O2 Forum Kentish Town on August 22, 2019.
The move to the 2,300 capacity venue signifies rapid growth for the HMAs, having previously taken place at both House of Vans and Koko. The event has now effectively tripled in size since it launched 20 months ago.
Speaking about the new venue partnership, Eral Hassan, general manager, O2 Forum Kentish Town, said: “We are so thrilled to be the venue of choice for the Heavy Music Awards 2019 and looking forward to going that extra mile with Dave and Andy to showcase the very best aspects of such a wonderful ceremony with our production capabilities in staging large-scale live events. We’ll be welcoming world-class artists to our stage to come together and celebrate the very best talent and music in the scene right now. We are also extremely proud to sponsor the Best Live Band category and support the most highly respected artists in the heavy music genre.”
We're looking forward to showcasing the very best aspects of such a wonderful ceremony with our production capabilities in staging large-scale live events
Eral Hassan, O2 Forum Kentish Town
HMAs co-founder Dave Bradley added, “HMA18 was a big step up for us in terms of event and global reach. The organic growth has been excellent but we’re constantly looking for ways to build the audience and offer more value to our finalists, winners and partners. The democratic voting process has been a powerful foundation from which to build the HMAs. It’s obviously positive to see the HMAs being shared by the likes of Metallica, Architects and Bring Me The Horizon, as the trickle down is tangible for newer artists – but we want to do more to help heavy music in any way we can.”
He continued: “Moving to the O2 Forum Kentish Town helps us to expand that offering, and of course welcome even more people to celebrate heavy music together. We are ecstatic to be working with Eral, Zoya and the O2 Forum team, and to welcome them as sponsors of our Best Live Band category.”
Ticketmaster has confirmed it will return for the second year as official ticketing partner.
Andrew Parsons, MD Ticketmaster UK, said: “Ticketmaster is proud to sponsor the Heavy Music Awards 2019 for the second year running. Heavy music fans are unrivalled in their passion and dedication, and hands down some of the best crowds we have ever come across. As the number one destination for heavy music fans we work with the likes of Bullet For my Valentine, Iron Maiden and Metallica, right alongside up-and-comers Milk Teeth and Sleep Token. The future is bright for heavy music, and we’re honoured to be a part of it.”
Last week, Heavy Music Awards’ Dave Bradley and Andy Pritchard – who have both spent several years working in roles for some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, including Live Nation, WWE and Warner Music – announced the launch of a new creative agency named CMND/CTRL. Through the new venture, they will offer design, digital and event solutions to “the noisier end of the industry”. You can find out all the details here.
Further information regarding the Heavy Music Awards 2019 – including how to get tickets and the full line-up – will be announced in 2019.
[Photo: James North].
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