A BAND will play their first gig since March 2020 at Allendale Village Hall on Friday, April 29.

Whapweasel, one of the country's leading ceilidh bands, will play a gig for the first time in two years due to lockdown.

The Allendale May Fair committee said they will host local legends Whapweasel at the village hall to fundraise for the Allendale May Fair event, a weekend filled with stalls and live music.

The 'festival favourites' said: "We’re really excited about this gig. As most of our gigs tend to be at summer festivals down south, it’s a rare treat to have a gig so close to home.

"Four of the seven band members live in the Allen valley and two of us have just moved to Allendale so it’s a particularly special one for us and probably the closest gig to home that we will ever do."

Their new album, Seven, was recorded days before the first lockdown and will be released this summer.

Whapweasel added: "We played at the May Fair in 2019 and had a brilliant time. There’s such a rich community spirit in the Dale and it’s a pleasure to be a part of that and helping to raise funds for the May Fair. Bring your dancing shoes!"

The May Fair committee said: "It will be an evening of live ceilidh music and dance to raise funds for this year’s May Fair event. A pie and pea supper will be included in the price of entry, and Allendale Village Hall has a fully stocked bar."

"We can guarantee a fun-fuelled family-friendly event with all the classic hallmarks of Allendale hospitality. Tickets will be on sale soon from various outlets and online," they added.

The Allendale May Fair will be held on different dates this year to avoid clashing with the Queen's Jubilee.

"Following two years of disruption, and in the rich tradition of this event not always taking place in May, Allendale May Fair will be back with a bang and new dates in 2022, from Saturday, July 16 to Sunday, 17. Save the date and come along for rides, market stalls, displays, the return of the legendary karaoke competition, live music and much more."

They advised people should keep updated on social media, look out for posters with more details, or contact the organisers via the form on www.allendalefair.org.uk.