BANDS across East Lancashire are being given the chance to showcase their talents at a new Saturday night event.

David Brown, landlord of the Hordens on Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, and promoters Paul McGurty and Michael Strahan have started weekly live music nights which are attracting some of the best up-and-coming bands in the area.

David said: "We started running these events on a Saturday back in November and already they have got a following.

"It is so easy to get covers bands to play - and some of them are really good - but Paul and I wanted to give local bands who write their own material the chance to perform live."

Paul, who is well-known in the local music scene as both a musician and promoter, added: "It's all about giving people a chance.

"David has put in a new stage and a PA system so that the bands know that everything has been done for them.

"We have virtually got every Saturday sorted until April and we are getting bands ringing up almost daily to see if they can play."

Although more established bands will headline every Saturday, David is keen to give less experienced musicians an opportunity to perform.

"There are always support slots available for young bands.

"For some of them it might be their first gig, but unless they have somewhere willing to let them play, they won't have the opportunity to develop.

"We hope that some bands who start off as a support and play a couple of songs will come back later as a headline act."

As well as a new PA and stage area, David has also installed soundproofed glass similar to that used in airports, so that the live music nights don't inconvenience nearby residents.

"It is a great venue now," said Paul. "A number of bands who have played have commented on how good the sound is and they all want to come back and play again."

Admission to the Saturday night events is free, a deliberate policy by David.

"All the bands have their own followings and we want as many of them to come and support them as possible," he said.

As well as the regular Saturday indie nights, Derek and Paul are working on turning Friday nights into an open mic session aimed at every type of musician and singer.

Any bands interested in the live Saturday night events can contact Paul on 07970 478062.