An indie-pop band, who chose their name over drinks in a Dalston pub, have been crowned BBC Radio 1's sound of 2024.

The Last Dinner Party were selected by a panel of more than 140 industry experts including Olivia Rodrigo and Mahalia, and join the likes of Lady Gaga, Adele, Dua Lipa and Stormzy as the radio station's previously hotly tipped future stars.

The London-based five piece made up of Abigail Morris, Lizzie Mayland, Emily Roberts, Georgia Davies, and Aurora Nishevci are due to play their biggest headline gig yet at The Roundhouse in Chalk Farm on February 1.

With a look that fuses glam rock, Victoriana and punk, the band enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2023 after making their Glastonbury debut, embarking on their first North American tour, and releasing their debut track ‘Nothing Matters’ with Island Records.

And this year promises big things, including the release of their highly anticipated debut album ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’ in February.Ham & High: The band beat off competition from Olivia Dean and Peggy Gou to scoop the accolade which was previously won by Stormzy, Dua Lipa and AdeleThe band beat off competition from Olivia Dean and Peggy Gou to scoop the accolade which was previously won by Stormzy, Dua Lipa and Adele (Image: BBC)

But the band, who met during fresher's week in London just three years ago, had their origins in small East London pub venues, and played their debut gig at The George Tavern in Whitechapel to just 20 people.

At an October gig at EartH Hackney, frontwoman Morris told the crowd they were on "sacred ground," because they were around the corner from The Shacklewell Arms "the place we came up with the name The Last Dinner Party." She later added: "It's good to be home."

Upon hearing the news of their win from Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine, Morris said: “We are overjoyed to have won! We predict amazing things happening in music this year and it is truly an honour to be a part of it.

"BBC Radio has championed us and so many other young artists from the start of their careers, we still can’t believe it every time we hear one of our songs being played. Every artist who has been nominated or won over the years is such a powerhouse, it humbles us to join their ranks! Thank you to guitar music for never dying. Bands are back, baby."

Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders said the band beat off stiff competition from the likes of Olivia Dean, Peggy Gou and Tyla: “It is a really strong year for the Sound Of list, which should make this win for The Last Dinner Party even sweeter. There isn’t a band connecting with their audience like this band right now: great songs, image and drive. They have the perfect concoction for success."

Radio 1 will host a special event – BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2024 Live – at Maida Vale on Monday 8 January with performances from artists on the longlist.