Many young bands dream of playing on stage at a major UK music festival, but more often than not, this dream does not become a reality. For one group of extremely talented young musicians, this wish has come true.

After competing against five other aspiring young bands in the Finals of Medina High School’s Battle of the Bands last week, The Bluebyrds won the chance to play on the Main Stage at this years Festival on Saturday June 12.

They will pave the way for legendary acts such as The Strokes, Biffy Clyro, Blondie and Crowded House. The four-piece blues band wowed the judges and audience with a unique set of their own original material.

The young band will perform their material in front of a crowd of up to 60,000 music fans - a huge privilege and opportunity for young musicians.

Founding members Keir Hicks (guitar / vocals) and Max Harrison (drums) formed the Bluebyrds in 2008 and together with Chris Williams (guitar / vocals) and Devon Badman (bass) complete a tight knit group with a full set of original material.

When asked the band said “We really weren’t expecting to win. It’s amazing. We love playing music from the sixties-seventies blues scene. They commented “It’s different and we’re mixing it up a bit, we want to bring the blues genre back into the light and play to the kids that don’t really know it as well as the mature audiences that appreciate us on the pub circuit.”

The Bluebyrds inspiration and influence comes from artists such as, Eric Clapton, Cream, Pink Floyd, ZZ Top, Gary Moore, Santana, James Brown, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Bonamassa. Playing the Kashmir tent at last years Festival and the Sail for Gold Bar Stage at Cowes Week and other events, the Bluebyrds have made a name for themselves on the island pub circuit performing covers alongside their own material.

Dave Ponin, Director, Platform One said:

“The Bluebyrds represent some serious young musical talent. This opportunity will mean so much to them and they will benefit so much from the experience. The link with the festival and John Giddings continued commitment to supporting young musicians is incredible. I look forward to seeing these guys perform on that impressive stage.”