THE first live music gig at the Reynolds Arena will take place later this month.

North-East soul R'n'B band The Smokin' Spitfires will perform at Bar 66 at Darlington Football Club stadium, on Monday.

The gig comes after Quakers chairman George Reynolds told Darlington Borough Council that if it failed to issue the arena with an entertainment licence, the club would not survive.

Mike Prendergast, a spokesman for event organisers Gasto Promotions, said: "Now that Bar 66 has been granted an entertainment licence, it is the hope of chairman George Reynolds that other events, in addition to football, can be held at the arena as a source of revenue for the football club.

"Live music in Darlington is a popular attraction, so we hope this first gig will lead to further events."

He said the bar had a room capacity of more than 250, and was ideally situated on the edge of town with plenty of car parking.

"It is far enough away from householders in Neasham Road not to cause concern over noise pollution," he said.

The Smokin' Spitfires include Steve Coley on keyboards, Chris Hogan on bass, Gary Cain on drums, Bob Garrington on guitar, Steve Brown on sax, Terry O'Hern on trombone, Dave Blakey on trumpet, and Karen Lester and Neil Hunter on vocals.

Tickets cost £7 and are available from Bar 66 or by calling (01325) 256245.

Published: 23/12/2003