BAND nights could become an annual feature at The Venue in Rudheath if a series of monthly shows prove a success.

Musicians and bands are to perform at the community venue every month until August in an initiative aimed at promoting the building.

The nights are being organised by Rudheath Parish Council, which is almost halfway through the two-year lease it signed on the Cheshire West and Chester Council-owned building.

The council signed the lease to run The Venue until June 2018 in a bid to turn the under-used building into a thriving focus for the community.

The council is pleased with the number of new groups it has signed up to use the building, and the band nights’ idea is the latest initiative aimed at increasing its use.

The nights open with Sam Lyon and Rebecca Holland on Saturday, May 13, followed by Elvis Presley tribute act Ivan Kingsley on Saturday, June 17, the Red River Band on Saturday, July 22 and the John Colins Band on Saturday, August 19.

The idea for the band nights came from parish council chairman Alison Gerrard, who wanted to put something on for the older age group following the success of pizza nights for young people.

“The aim of the nights is to promote The Venue as a community centre by having four events throughout the summer months,” said Cllr Gerrard.

“I wanted to have local musicians and performers, and we have kept tickets prices affordable, with tickets for the first night being £3 and the others costing £5.”

There will be a licensed bar at the evenings, at which the doors will open at 7.30pm.

Cllr Gerrard stressed the support of the public was crucial to the success of the evenings and the possibility of the nights becoming an annual feature at The Venue.

“We need people to buy tickets and to come along,” said Cllr Gerrard.

“We would also welcome feedback from people about what they thought, such as whether they would like different kinds of bands next year.”

Tickets will be available from Cllr Gerrard and parish clerk Fiona Penny.