Autumn and winter 2012 is set to sound great at the Citadel (From St Helens Star)

Autumn and winter 2012 is set to sound great at the Citadel

9:19am Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Leisure

THERE is a veritable mini Olympics of music kicking off in September at the Citadel.

The arts centre has just announced details of its exciting new season of events through to March 2013.

Highlights include a special acoustic performance from indie favourites Ocean Colour Scene, ex-Teardrop Explodes frontman Julian Cope, amazing USA blues legend Walter Trout and the self-styled ‘God of Hellfire’ Arthur Brown. And what better way to get over those winter blues than an evening with those comedy Lancastrian boys The Lancashire Hotpots.

Blues fans are spoilt for choice when, on Saturday, September 15, Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes make a much anticipated return. Later, ex-Dr Feelgood legend Wilko Johnson performs, as part of his UK tour.

The amazing Robin Trower makes his debut appearance in March, shortly followed by Gerry McAvoy’s Band of Friends, who play the music of the much-loved Rory Gallagher, after their first show went down a storm back in May.

Celtic rock band Karnataka performs in November, followed by an electric show from 70s folk/rockers The Strawbs. Talented Irish singer/songwriter Gemma Hayes visits St Helens on her national tour.

The rock theme continues into 2013 with Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash and emerging UK rock guitarist Larry Miller.

Tribute bands Desperado (Eagles), Limehouse Lizzy and the Clone Roses will recreate the experience of seeing the real thing at an affordable price, and popular local bands Mr So and So and Merry Hell will also perform. Dubstep, hip-hop and drum and bass will be provided by The Bass Projekt, bringing the underground sound to your doorstep.

Touring theatre makes a return with performances from DaDa Fest, with Church of the 80% Sincerity. Hull Truck Theatre brings its Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde show and Spike Theatre performs Sink or Swim. Finger and Thumb Theatre brings its Circus Bear puppetry show during the October half term; while The Citadel’s Christmas show in December features Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, suitable for all the family.

A new alternative club night for under 18s starts in October, with Amplified. It will feature DJs and live bands. The Épochalypse party night will take place in November As well as lots to see, there are plenty of things to get involved with at The Citadel. If you are interested in drama, art, dance, big band or writing, then there is always something happening that you can join in with. The citi-dis-arts project continues with daytime arts, drama and writing, not forgetting the Citadel Sing Out Choir. And, if that’s not enough, then the Citadel’s Music Mecca Project provides workshops for under 18s in DJ-ing, rock band and street dance.

For further information, or to book tickets, call the Citadel box office on 01744 735436, or visit citadel.org.uk.