Friday 14th January 2011; Academy Music Group (AMG) today announced a fourth Students' Union joint venture, with plans for O2 Academy Bournemouth to work in partnership with The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth.


One of the most iconic venues on the South Coast, the Grade II listed ex-central fire station has a capacity of 550 and is perfectly positioned for hosting newer acts in the region, as well as unrivalled student nights.
 
"The partnership between O2 Academy and The Old Fire Station will improve availability for artists between the venues, and will act as a valuable development ground for newer artists helping to build a live fan base before they play O2 Academy Bournemouth. Together we can create joint marketing initiatives and awareness to a wider reach of fans," says Angus Carter - Marketing and Communications Manager, The Old Fire Station.
 
This announcement follows AMG's recent success with the University of Leicester Students' Union, opening a brand new 1,450 capacity venue on campus, O2 Academy Leicester (September 2010) and additional management deals with Students' Union (SU) venues in Liverpool (LGoS) and Hertfordshire (Forum), expanding AMG"s network of operations in the UK.
 
O2 Academy Bournemouth, owned and operated by AMG since summer 2009, has gone from strength to strength, growing the live music scene in the region, and welcoming sell-out gigs from the likes of Florence and The Machine, Klaxons and Pixie Lott.
 
2011 is set for an exceptional start with shows on sale by Interpol, KT Tunstall, Shockwaves NME Awards Tour and The Cult. A new seated format has now been added to the varying configurations, for 700 (fully seated) across 3 levels. Recent all-seated events include comedy from Angelos Epithemiou, Suzanne Vega with Beth Orton is scheduled for April 2011.
 
 "The introduction of an all-seated option is an attractive proposition for a wider variety of artists and genres to O2 Academy Bournemouth. The main auditorium is the heart of the venue, with magnificent period features and in keeping with the décor and ambience of the Grade II listed building,. We're looking forward to a wide range of events this year, with the addition of this new format and working with The Old Fire Station, we have a greater scope for developing artists between the venues, and opportunities to experience more quality live music in Bournemouth."  Barny Bidwell - General Manager, O2 Academy Bournemouth.