Going Ape in the UK:Fight Like Apes have been nominated in the Best Breakthrough Band category in the UK Festival Awards. The Dubliners are up against Friendly Fires, Florence and the Machine, Passion Pit and Little Boots.

• Albarn's five ring salute Damon Albarn is strongly rumoured to be appointed artistic director of the opening ceremony of London's 2012 Olympics. Albarn and his Gorillaz cohort, Jamie Hewlett, designed the BBC's TV footage for Beijing 2008.

Portishead go fourth: Work on a new Portishead album has begun. Geoff Barrow claimed that the trio have begun writing the follow-up to Third, which may be ready for release next year.

• Back in Dublin's orbit: Orbital have announced their first Dublin gig since reuniting earlier this year. The Hartnoll brothers will play Tripod on November 13th. Tickets are on sale next Tuesday.