15 Dec The Capital Jingle Bell ball is here welcome the holidays
(c) Laura Finkler
For some, Christmas is all about carols and cheesy Christmas classics. But for 30,000 fans it’s all about the hottest acts on the planet. Reporter Laura Finkler has more.
Every December Capital Radio brings together the crème de la crème of the music scene. This year the Jingle Bell Ball took place on the weekend of the 9th and 10th December. As the fans arrive at North Greenwich station, it’s clear to see how excited everyone is. People are dusted in glitter and even tinsel can be seen.
For two days in a row the 02 arena will host a celebration of the finest artists out there at the moment. Names like The Chainsmokers, last years X-factor champion Matt Terry, Liam Payne and The Script can be found on the line up. But there is something special about the Jingle Bell Ball this year. The Sunday show wont have one but two major headlining acts : Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
Ever since the first event in 2008, they’ve only had one major act headlining each night, but the game has changed. The possibility of Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift performing their song “End Game” together has sent fans into a frenzy. As Swift opens the show it is impossible not the feel the anticipation in the air. The whole venue seems to go crazy and the cheers and singing voices almost drown out the actual performance.
But what makes the Jingle Bell Ball such a special this year? I spoke to marketing coordinator Adam Johnson about what’s going on behind the scenes. “The artists aren’t on tour – they fly in for the show and it was almost a coincidence to find two world class acts for our spectacle. “
This year’s event sold out in under one hour, with tickets ranging from 49.99 to 299.99, so it’s safe to say the excitement was through the roof. According to Adam the line-up is the key to making this year’s event the best the 02 arena has seen so far. “The line-up is just incredible, that’s the main thing. We work hard to get local, international and current artists to perform on stage and this year we have outdone ourselves really.” The excitement in his voice leaves no doubt that the team behind the scenes anticipates the event just as much as the fans.
The future of the winter extravaganza is much bigger than “just” two headlining acts though: “ The goal is to host as many big performances as possible. Two in one day is just a start for us, maybe next year we will have two on Saturday as well.”
Besides the increase of the major performances, Capital also want’s to expand their audience.
“We want everyone around the country to experience the content, listen to the songs and feel as if they’re a part of the event. At the end of the day, thats who we are bringing this live show together for: the fans. “
Check out the performances from Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran below. Tickets for next year go on sale in October.
