Lancashire vs Manchester gig

The first in the series of shows, entitled Lancashire Vs Manchester - Three Dates, Three Places, goes ahead tomorrow night at New Order and Joy Division star Peter Hook’s Factory 251 Club.

On the bill will be Blackpool bands Dinosaurs are S**t Dragons and post hardcore outfit Kraul alongside Manchester bands like Bobbie Peru and Sky Valley Mistress.

Then on Friday August 2, the venue is Preston’s Mad Ferret before the final gig in the series goes ahead at a still-to-be-arranged venue in Blackpool.

The events, designed to build links between bands, will also be marked by the release of a pay-what-you-like compilation album, with songs from Preston bands Evil Blizzard, Hello Bamboo, Elohymn and Fighting, by local label The Recording Industry is Dead.