Camden Crawl kicks off

Two day event packed with bands

18 April 08 - Twenty-five venues. 130 acts. It can only be the Camden Crawl.

The much loved music extravaganza is happening all over North London this weekend - as anyone who is anyone in the indie world takes to the stage. The two day event is one of the highlights of the musical calendar - and this year is no different, as both Friday and Saturday nights are a sell out.

Several venues are playing host to the up and coming bands - including Roundhouse, Electric Ballroom, Barfly and Koko.

Kicking off the action on Friday night are Sam Sparro and Hadouken, with Robyn, Yoav, The Fratellis and Wiley also performing at various venues in NW1.  Saturday night will see Joe Lean And The Jing Jang Jong, White Lies, Skepta and Kode 9 playing to fans.

Florence from Florence and the Machine is thrilled to be taking part.

"I'm happy - I'm really really happy about it. The enormity of it hasn't really sunk in. It's going to be fun. I'm just going to run around like a weird spinning top trying to see has many bands as possible - which you never do".

"It's good seeing all the new bands, and it feels like a really exciting time to be a band"
Dan, Hadouken

Enter Shikari told 6 Music they are excited to be playing the Camden Crawl - although as Chris and Rob explain their gig has all been a bit 'cloak and dagger'.

They only found out where they would be playing on Friday morning.

Last year, the same 'secret' event saw Pete Doherty's Babyshambles take to the stage.

Hadouken's Dan says he's looking forward to playing.

"We came here last year and we are fortunate to do it again which is cool. Last year it was a really, good memorable event for us. It's good seeing all the new bands, and it feels like a really exciting time to be a band".

The Camden Crawl is different to other music festivals, as music lovers visit various pubs, bars and clubs in Camden to see the acts.

Louise Hulland