GREAT British music: Going for Gold

“Going for Gold”, by Shed Seven if you remember them? A British indie band that was part of the Britpop scene back in the 90s. They’re still going strong, but “Going for Gold” was arguably their most successful song. It’s relevant this week because we’re gearing up to send off Guatemala’s Olympic athletes with a farewell bash on Friday; and also because we’re promoting Music is GREAT Britain. 

So to get the departing athletes in the mood and ready for the UK, we’ll be blasting out the best of British music on Friday, and yours truly has been tasked with putting together a playlist. No pressure then! 

I’ve been a music fan since I can remember. My first album was by Madness – you might have seen them performing on the roof of Buckingham Palace at the concert to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. My first concert came a little later, it could have been the Wonder Stuff or Transvision Vamp. But then came weekends at the Reading festival, and the mud, and I’ve never looked back. 

Although initially daunted at the thought of making the playlist, when you think about it, the list of top British music is mightily impressive! I’ve included a range of artists from the Rolling Stones to Adele, from Fatboy Slim to Tom Jones, from the Beatles to Dizzee Rascal, from Rod Stewart to the Stone Roses. Something for all tastes (I hope!) 

The reception on Friday will also be a welcome to our new Ambassador, Sarah Dickson, who arrived in Guatemala on Sunday. She has already published a welcome message on our website, and has presented the Copies of her Credentials to Guatemala’s Foreign Ministry. Friday’s reception will be her first here as Ambassador, so another GREAT reason for a party. 

19 Guatemalan athletes are now qualified for the London Olympic Games, 17 of which will be present on Friday along with the President of Guatemala’s Olympic Committee. If you would like to send the athletes a message of good luck then you can on twitter. We’ll make sure the athletes see them! 

And to make the afternoon a bit more interactive, send your favourite British artist/band/song either via twitter (@UKinGuatemala) or post on the Embassy’s Facebook site. If we play your song we’ll do a tweet out to you!