IT WAS back in 2001 that the first Heavy Fest took place at Bradford’s 1 in 12 Club.

The all-day festival of rock, featuring local bands, was a success and organisers went on to hold a further three annual events.

Then came a break – of 14 years.

Now the event is back, with a line up of bands from across the Bradford district, with an additional group from across the Pennines in Manchester.

It opens with the singer/guitarist Hangman, aka Sam Wilson. Says organiser Gary Cavanagh: “Sam is a very good guitarist and vocalist - he will be something to look forward to.”

The Bradford-based four-piece goth metal band Dawn of Elysium is playing, as is Ironrat, who mix aggressive doom/stoner rock with seventies twin guitar harmonies, intermixed with the groove of southern rock.

Local stone and metal band Psychlona is performing, and the tongue-twistingly titled The Third Congress of the Order of the Holy Riff should be entertaining. “They have got together to produce some material which I am really looking forward to hearing,” says Gary.

From Manchester comes Glarus who, due to the absence of their drummer through surgery, have worked out a mostly instrumental set with some of their songs reworked.

The Bradford duo Astral Trip will be making their mark with their brand of nu-disco, Indie dance and rock house.

Also appearing at the popular music venue is Keighley-based heavy metal band Arkham Witch, who describe themselves as ‘old-school heavy metal/doom infused with Lovecraftian horror, tales of mighty Barbarians and festering evil superstitions.’

“It will be a great night, and after the bands have been on there will be a heavy disco,” says Gary. “The event aims to showcase local talent - the range and the different styles. This event resurrects the previous Heavy Fests held in the early 2000s, and are pay homage to them. We hope people will come along and enjoy themselves.”

*Heavy Fest takes place at The 1 in 12 Club, 21-23 Albion St, Bradford BD1 2LY, on Saturday August 18, from 3pm until late. Pay on the door. Tel: 01274 734160; Also check the club’s Facebook page. Helen Mead