Marquee Club Leicester Square Event Visuals

Hotbox Studios performs at the launch party of The Breakthrough Weekender on April 23, 2005.

The Breakthrough Weekender runs May 6 and 7, 2005.

One of the UK's most exciting new production companies, Whitespider, will be presenting the event which will see 18 UK bands showcased at one of the most prestigious venues in the country; Shepherds Bush Empire in London.

The selected bands will perform 30-minute slots, giving them a chance to shine for industry figures including A&R representatives, publishers, booking agents, producers and venue managers.

All profits from the event will go to Live Aid, to support the charity's 20th anniversary.

The funds will aid those who are suffering from the Darfur Crisis in Sudan.

The launch party was held at the Marquee Club, in London's Leicester Square.

This very special, invite only event, saw the gathering of music celebrities, professionals and bands, all helping to expose the event and the bands performing.

The first Breakthrough in 2004 was run as part of the global music festival, One World Beat.

Ten bands were showcased on one day at Shepherds Bush Empire, with attendance from over 50 record labels, including EMI Music, Sony Music and Virgin Music.

Nearly 1500 people attended the show, which was featured on the BBC One television breakfast show.

With the success of Breakthrough 2004 and the expansion of the event to two days and a launch party, The Breakthrough Weekender 2005 aims to become a fixture in the music industry calendar; creating a platform for new bands to showcase their music to the A&R community.

For further information contact Chris Poole on 0208 896 8200 or 0772 044 6083.