00:00I think it'll become easier. We've got a North East Mayor who's focusing on culture which is
00:05really important so we've got huge backing there, political backing. I think we're seeing a real
00:10change in Newcastle generally. We've got a burgeoning creative sector which is really
00:16exciting to see. I think something like Mobo's really helps encourage that diversity because
00:24we know that people from disadvantaged areas find it harder to be involved in things like
00:29music and music production and that then increases again if you're a person of colour.
00:35So clearly something like this will have a huge impact and it's about recognition as well for
00:40those people who are involved in the sector. The contribution will be huge and there'll be
00:45a huge economic impact. We expect through the event itself obviously we'll have people here
00:51using our hotels, our bars, restaurants, clubs which will be a huge impact but then there's a
00:56week of fringe events which our communities will really benefit from across Newcastle and Gateshead.
01:02Again that has an economic impact because people will be here for that whole week
01:05but hopefully the lasting legacy is from that week and those fringe events
01:09to really encourage particularly young people in the region to get involved in music.
01:15The Mobo Fringe that Councillor Kilgour mentioned will take place from Thursday 13th
01:19until Monday 17th February in the run-up to the Mobo Awards ceremony.
01:24The Fringe will combine live performances, workshops, industry summits and community-led
01:28initiatives across the five-day celebration. The launch of Mobo Fringe will take place at
01:34the Glasshouse which will celebrate local businesses and of course there'll be live
01:37performances which includes local artist Kay Grayson who performed at the announcement back
01:42in October. While the Glasshouse will host the majority of the Fringe events there'll be R&B,
01:48karaoke and performances from artists at The Grove on Friday the 14th February as well as
01:53other events taking place across the city which includes workshops with local schools.
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