A BAND has come out of semi retirement to support The Crookes who are taking time out from a nationwide tour to appear at the Chantry Hall in Bedale.

The Exploding Buddha’s are a well known local band and are appearing at the Hall as part of a major push to encourage home grown talent to take advantage of the venue which has undergone an extensive refurbishment.

Organisers say they were really pleased when the Crooks, who are on tour with internationally renowned band The Fratellis, offered to appear at the hall for one night as part of their autumn programme on Saturday November 21.

The Crookes, have had 500,000 You Tube views for their tour. The Exploding Buddha’s formed in 1993 and are a well established group with a firm following.

The event is part of a scheme by the Chantry Hall management committee to encourage local bands, musicians and entertainers to use the venue. One of the organisers said: “We are delighted to offer a local band the opportunity to play alongside a nationally known band and hope to offer other opportunities to new local talent in the future.”

Contact chantryhallbedale.com for information. On November 28, the hall is hosting the second comedy night with Mock the Week star Gary Delaney who has become a firm favourite at the BBC. Tickets are available at the Hemelvaart Bier Café £7.50 or on the night at the door, £10.