A MUSIC festival taking place in Little Germany this summer will feature local and international acts.

To get music-lovers in the mood, the Shuttle Shuffle Festival kicks off tomorrow with a series of 'pre-festival' gigs, headlined by Artmagic, acclaimed duo of Suede guitarist Richard Oakes and producer/vocalist Sean McGhee. They will perform at Sorm Studios in Little Germany, showcasing second album The Songs of Other England.

Artmagic have produced two albums while Richard has also been writing and touring with Suede and Sean has worked with Alison Moyet as her backing singer and musical director, with co-writing credits on her 2017 album.

Other acts tomorrow are Bradford's Funk Cats Duo singer/songwriter Dave McKinley and compere Tattie Lexie. All three acts will also appear at the main Shuttle Shuffle Festival in August.

The festival will take place at Little Germany venues including SORM (School of Rock and Media), Bradford Playhouse, The Merchant Bar and Bradford Cathedral.

Acts include Terrorvision frontman Tony Wright, Nigel Clark from Britpop band Dodgy, Bradford writer Joolz Denby, DJ Rory Hoy and local acts Everyday People, Velvela, The Brookes, Purple Thread, Dalmas and Shane Pain.

Organiser Andrew Sugden said: "We started the Shuttle Shuffle in 2013 at Factory Street Studios and last year we moved to Little Germany as a multi-venue festival. We've got various venues involved, and there'll be outdoor events too. It's a great way of getting people into Little Germany, which is a fantastic area of Bradford.

"Acts appearing this summer will also play at Theatre in the Mill and Oastler Market."

Added Andrew: "The idea of the festival is to promote grassroots local talent here in Bradford and the wider region, as well as showcasing more well known artists. We've also got international artists, including Jesa, a young band from Zimbabwe.

"Diversity is very much a part of the Shuttle Shuffle Festival. Our aim is to promote different music from diverse cultures. Bradford is a very diverse place, and live music brings communities together."

This summer's festival also includes workshops and open mic events.

Tony Saunders and John Bolton, co-owners of SORM Studios, said: “The Shuttle Shuffle is a great festival that brings communities together through a love of live music. Hosting gigs like Richard from Suede really puts us on the map as a vibrant live venue. “

* Doors for tomorrow's gigs open at 7pm. Visit yorkshireticketshop or skiddle.com.

For more about the Shuttle Shuffle Festival, on August 17 and 18, visit shuttleshuffle.co.uk