THE Citadel theatre's return as a live venue is hoped to breathe new life into the music scene in St Helens.
After a tsunami of challenges brought about by the pandemic, Good Friday will mark the Citadel's first live performances without restrictions for more than two years.
With a "brilliant calendar" of commercial events planned throughout the year, three exciting acts from around St Helens - Polker, Sapho, and Jessica Luise - will open up the Citadel's famous stage on Friday, April 15.
Tying the Citadel's re-launch in with the release of their debut EP, Polker hope that the event is a catalyst in revitalising the live music scene in St Helens and helps to mould the Citadel into a hub that nurtures local talent and musicianship.
Lead singer Sam Rughoo said: "We are all buzzing for the gig, and there has been a lot of work that has gone into it.
"We don't really play a lot in St Helens because there aren't many live music venues, so hopefully this can be the start of something.
"I've spoken with other musicians in St Helens and they all say the same thing - that every town should have a proper live music venue. It's something we have been missing."
Starting out as a three-piece cover band around ten years ago, Polker have recently taken on a new iteration with the addition of 18-year-old drummer Maddy Hale.
Breathing new life into the band after the difficulties faced by the pandemic, Polker have quickly gathered a sizeable following since they began releasing original music and gigging around the North West.
Following on from recently released singles, the Good Friday gig will be an opportunity for fans to hear new music from the band's four-track debut EP 'Over Words, Ever After'.
With a lot more to come from the St Helens four-piece, including more releases and music videos, Sam hopes that the gig will serve as a "landmark occasion" both for Polker and the Citadel in its future as a focal point for live music.
To buy tickets for Polker's gig at the Citadel, visit this link
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