POP PICKERS came out in force as a hit Keighley exhibition returned to the charts.

A capacity audience watched a gig by two of Keighley's most popular 1960s bands that relaunched the Keighley Music of the 60s exhibition.

Ian Dewhirst, the iconic Keighley historian, was the 'support act' for the concert by The Presidents and the Doveston Brothers.

Keighley library's local studies room was the rockin' venue for an event that attracted almost 200 music lovers on Saturday. (June 9)

The exhibition, which features hundreds of photographs of Keighley performers from the 1960s, was compiled by Janet Mawson.

Local historian Malcolm Hanson, who is also involved in the project, said the full house was eager to hear two of Keighley's foremost pop groups.

He said: "If the crowd's response was anything to go by, none of them were disappointed."

Ian began by telling anecdotes of his life as a teenager, and how there was no time for pop music until he’d done two years’ National Service. Even then, he said: “The only song I liked was Peggy Sue by Buddy Holly, but he died, and that was that!”

Malcolm said: "To rousing applause, the Doveston Brothers took to the stage, playing for the first time in some 45 years. Their set of 60s covers brought back memories of their appearance at the London Palladium, and they finished with a rendition of She Taught Me How to Yodel.

"More of Ian’s anecdotes followed before the Presidents, featuring Linda Russell and Bruce, took to the stage, bringing with them a big dollop of nostalgia. Old favourites were dusted off and played with real professionalism, and by the end of the show everyone was up on their feet.

"It was good to see so many people turn out for this event, and to see all the hard work pay off for library staff. It was a great move to persuade the Doveston Brothers and the Presidents to play together, and with Ian Dewhirst as master of ceremonies, the draw proved irresistible to Keighley people.”

The revamped 60s exhibition will run until September 13, then will be replaced by Keighley's Music of the 70s, currently being assembled by Malcolm.

He said: "I’ve already got enough to fill the available boards, but there are still many bands I would like to hear from, including late 70s bands such as the Elements, Teenage & the Wildlife, the Shakes, and Cheap ‘n’ Nasty.

"I’m also keeping open several boards for singers and groups who performed at the Baccapipes Folk Club.”

Email malcolm.b.hanson@gmail.com or call Malcolm on 01756 798730 for inclusion in the 70s exhibition.