Keighley music promoter Trotwood is finalising a date for a long-awaited local concert by Ocean Colour Scene.

The well-respected band will perform at the town's Victoria Hall, in July, as a warm-up for concerts across the UK

Trotwood, a roadie with the band, says the tickets will go on sale in Keighley a week before the rest of the country.

He says: "Let's give Keighley people a chance to get to show they really want gigs like this.

"As soon as the gig goes on the band's web site it will sell out straightaway. Ocean Colour Scene sold out at St George's Hall with 1,800 people."

Trotwood, a member of Skeletal Family, is also arranging a new set of gigs by out-of-town acts, at the New Variety Club, in Russell Street.

Solo shows will come from Richard Ashcroft from Verve, Aziz Ibrahim from The Players, Simon Fowler from Ocean Colour Scene and Wayne Hussey from The Mission.

The Nazarites will return with a major-name band as part of their own reggae festival at Victoria Hall, and cult comedian The Pub Landlord will be at the New Variety Club. Trotwood says Simon, who has a huge following, was delighted with his first Keighley gig last year and this time wants to do two nights.

He adds: "Last time he was raising money to buy a new boiler. This time he needs money for some plane tickets for a wedding!"

Tickets for Ocean Colour Scene will be on sale at the Boardroom, upstairs in Speaks outdoor shop, next to Keighley Bus Station. Phone 01535 603979.

n Haworth singer-songwriter Tim Moon will support folk rock legends Fairport Convention on May 9, at Victoria Hall, in Saltaire.

Tim played earlier this year alongside Fairport members Chris Leslie and Simon Nicol on a CD revival of folk opera The Transports.

Tim said: "As a fan of Fairport for 30 years I'm very excited by the prospect of supporting them in concert. I've played with members of the band in an informal session but sharing a stage will be a dream come true."

Tim recently released a live album, entitled Why is a Mouse When it Spins?, and this month begins recording his next studio album Invicta.

The new album will feature fellow multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Anna Ryder, who he feels is one of the most underrated musicians in Britain, despite her three "fine" albums. The Transports, conceived 25 years ago by the late Peter Bellamy, has been re-released as a digitally-remixed original, plus a CD containing new versions of the songs.

n The Bacca Pipes folk club has invited old friend Dave Vermond to stand-in for tonight's planned guest John McCormick.

The American singer has had to pull out of the concert in Keighley Ukrainian Club after hurting his back.

Dave, a singer-songwriter from Otley, is described as an accomplished guitarist in a forthright rocky style.

"His work is highly original and mostly humorous, although he does have a serious side," says club spokesman Jenny Scott.

The club opens at 8.30pm, at 9 Henry Street, off Cavendish Street. Everyone is welcome.

n Hush play the Talbot Hotel, Burnley, tonight; the Holy Garth Social Club, Ilkley, tomorrow, and the Dropkick, Bradford, on May 1.

n Local rock bands Nexus, Ironstorm and Breene play the Victoria Hotel, Cavendish Street, Keighley, tonight, at 8pm. Admission is £3.