Modernlove. Sasko Lazarov, Photocall Ireland

Modernlove. to headline Firestone stage at Vantastival

Firestone, the iconic tyre brand, is set to roll in to Beaulieu House this June Bank Holiday for the Vantastival Music and Arts Festival supported by a host of new Irish musical talent. The Firestone Live stage will welcome some of Ireland’s most exciting up-and-coming musical acts at the festival between 1st and 3rd June.
 
This year, as part of Firestone’s commitment to supporting emerging musical talent in Ireland, Firestone sought to discover local artists, up-and-comers, unsigned bands and new talents through a national Battle of the Bands competition. 
 
Over 600 applicants were narrowed down to five acts that performed in a live final in front of some of the most influential individuals on the Irish music scene last month. Drogheda band Modernlove. was declared the winner of this year’s competition and will now perform as a headline act on the Firestone stage as well as winning €4,000 worth of music equipment and recording time. The band are also guaranteed a main stage slot at Vantastival 2019.
 
Modernlove. will be joined on the Firestone Live stage by fellow Battle of the Bands finalists; Jaxon, Oski Bravo and Chinese Newspaper amongst others.
 
In addition to the 25 live performances expected on the Firestone Stage, festival-goers will also get the chance to see some iconic classic vehicles including a beautifully restored 1960’s VW camper van and 1950’s American International pick-up truck.  The Firestone Live Stage is themed around a classic Route 66 Gas Station complete with retro petrol pump and oil barrels. Visitors can win Firestone goodies in some bespoke tyre based games.
 
The Firestone brand has long been committed to encouraging and supporting emerging music talent with this commitment dating back almost a century to 1928 when Founder Harvey Firestone brought together musicians and music-lovers on the Voice of Firestone radio show in the USA. This radio show gave known and unknown musicians a platform to perform on, and an audience to perform for. Firestone recently brought this commitment to Ireland with the Battle of the Bands initiative which is now in its second year.
 
 
Colm Conyngham, Bridgestone & First Stop, Marketing and Public Relations Manager said: “We know that there are countless undiscovered Irish bands flying under the radar and we’re proud continue Harvey Firestone’s legacy by fostering and supporting emerging and unsigned acts. We can’t wait to bring some of Ireland’s best emerging talent to Vantastival 2018 and host what will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting and enjoyable stages at any festival this summer.”
 
Vantastival is one of seven other major European festivals at which Firestone will have a prominent presence this summer. All Points East (United Kingdom – May 25 to June 3); Vantastival (Ireland – June 1 to 3); Hurricane Festival(Germany – June 22 to 24); Open’er Festival (Poland, July 4 to 7); Bilbao BBK Live (Spain – July 12 to 14); Grøn (Denmark – July 19 to 22 & July 26 to 29); Rock en Seine (France – August 24 to 26); Home Festival(Italy – August 29 to September 2).