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The gigs will provide a platform for Sony Ericsson to promote the Espresso Black W890i from its range of Walkman handsets, available exclusively to Vodafone on Pay Monthly and Pay as You Talk packages.

The TBA gigs are in their third year but this year, rather than a number of secret venue gigs with just one artist, Vodafone will reveal the location and line-up for a mini festival with a number of artists.

It is the second year running that Sony Ericsson has been the official handset partner.

The first Vodafone TBA will take place in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, on June 1. The second is planned for August and will lead up to the Vodafone Live Music Awards in September.

Vodafone customers will have the opportunity to win tickets for themselves and two friends by texting 61500. This will be promoted through bill inserts, an above-the-line campaign and the Vodafone .

Vodafone has also joined forces with entertainment content creators and producers Initial to produce both the Vodafone TBAs and, later in the year, the Vodafone Live Music Awards.

The gigs will be broadcast as six half-hour shows on Channel 4, described as part "rockumentary", part concert.

David Hilton, head of marketing at Sony Ericsson, said: "It's great to be back working with Vodafone on the TBA gigs. Last year's gigs showcased some of the most exciting and talented acts in the industry and Sony Ericsson is particularly happy for our Walkman phones to be involved in such a great partnership."

Vodafone will also be premiering new content applications through Bluetooth teams who will be on site to greet guests.

Available content will include the latest videos from all the performing artists and a java application gig guide carrying show times, band biographies and images.

Guests will also receive free professional quality event images sent in real time to their handsets, as a memento of the event.

Neil McCallum, head of music at Channel 4, added: "Both Vodafone TBA and Vodafone Live Music Awards were high points of our music schedule last year and we're thrilled that they will be returning this year. They will undoubtedly be exciting events that will allow us to strengthen the 4Music brand and offer music fans the chance to see some of the industry's hottest bands."