Bands set to raise the roof

Up and coming rock and pop bands will soon be raising the roof in Lichfield as a series of live gigs gets under way.

For the second year running the Lichfield Garrick Theatre and the band ChinaRED have joined forces to showcase top local live music.

They will be presenting four concerts next month. Bands will be belting out their music at the theatre on August 3, 10, 11 and 17 onwards and tickets are now on sale for £5. ChinaRED put last year's success down to keeping the majority of the acts local and have done this again.

The first night, August 3, will feature pop-punk with performances from I am the Rumour, NeverSayDie, Page44 and Undecided Heros.

August 10 will see AFD Shift, Charlie Barnes, Little Dipper and 35 Seconds take to the stage, followed the next night by Snuff Superstars and Wild Youth.

On August 17, Eclipse, Listen To Johnny and The Attic will be performing.

A number of bands have still to be confirmed.

Dave Sellar, ChinaRED band member and promoter, said: "To create regional links with bands, we think it was important to get some bands from outside the Lichfield area, such as Birmingham, but apart from that the talent is all home-grown.

"Our main aim is to make live music a regular fixture in Lichfield, and judging by last year's success, we know there is huge demand.

"The nights will be split into genres to introduce new bands to a wider audience.

"Being in a band ourselves, we know how difficult it is to get your music heard.

"By playing on nights alongside bands of similar styles there is a realistic chance that the fans will hear a new band they like, allowing the bands to expand their fan base."

Adrian Jackson, the theatre's artistic director, said: "Playing to a live crowd is crucial to a band's development, and so the Lichfield Garrick is delighted to once more host these popular band nights."

Tickets are now on sale from the box office on 01543 412121. The gigs are 14-plus events and any over-18s need ID to buy alcohol.