The birth of Nottingham's Dot to Dot festival is all down to synchronicity. Back in 2005 three music lovers had the same idea - to put on a festival in the city. Each was considering putting bands on in different locations. They pulled together, utilised three venues and Dot to Dot was born with Ladytron and The Rakes headlining. The ethos behind the event hasn't changed - to give emerging bands a decent showcase and fans a range of music to choose from. "It's not about chart acts who might sell out venues," says organiser Ricky Haley. "We're looking for people to come who are open minded and want to take in all forms of music." Getting bigger Two years down the line, more venues are being used, the latest being Nottingham Trent University. The music policy has also expanded, breaking away from its indie roots. "The whole idea of Dot to Dot is the venues are the dots and you move between them. "We don't want to ghettoise people by saying this venue is this type of music so you stay here all day. We want people to experience different forms of music that they'd not normally see.
 | | The Cribs jumping into the crowd |
"This year there's more acoustic, folk and singer-songwriters, as well as going more dance." Names on the list Take your choice from The Cribs, Erol Alkan, Kano, Blonde Redhead, New Young Pony Club, Broken Family Band, Nottingham's own I Was A Cub Scout plus many more. Branching out Nottingham Dot to Dot has proved so successful that the franchise is heading out of town. The day before the Nottingham shows, Dot to Dot will make it's debut in Bristol, though on a much smaller scale. However, those behind the festival are hoping that soon they'll be booking bands for a London Dot to Dot. But Ricky Haley says they won't be turning their backs on Nottingham especially now it has established itself. "The first year we really really struggled to convince people but now it's proven itself by selling out the last two years. We've been inundated with offers and we don't have enough space to accommodate everyone who wants to play." Tickets Dot to Dot 2007 is being held at venues around Nottingham on Sunday 27 May, 2007. Ticket details on 0871 310 0000. | 
