Folk rock musicians David and Joseph Dunwell will perform in Burley-in-Wharfedale next week to launch this year’s village Poppy Appeal.

The brothers, from The Dunwells band, will be the headline act performing at an event at Burley Social Club next Friday (October 25), in between tours of America.

The Dunwells have made a number of tours of the States taking in virtually every major town and city and played at that country’s biggest festival, Lollapalooza, this summer.

They have a five-year recording contract with Texas-based Playing in Traffic Records and recorded their first album in the studio of the legendary Willie Nelson. Further recordings on a second album were recorded in Dave Grohl’s studio in California.

They are championed by film director Cameron Crowe and so impressed the Governor of Maryland that they were invited to his home. They have also appeared on the Jay Leno Show.

Supporting them at the Burley show will be Guiseley band, Mood Elevator, and solo guitar/vocalists Mark Hudson, a former soldier, Wayne Yeadon, an ATC officer, and Gary Linley.

Burley-in-Wharfedale Poppy Appeal organiser, Rachel O’Connor, said: “We are looking to increase the amount we raise for the appeal each year and I thought that this would be a good way to kick off our appeal. I organise a number of gigs involving local bands and performers and thought I would utilise those skills to help the appeal.

“It is a bit like going back in time for me as when I was young the Social Club was named Burley Rifle Club and my late father, George Pickard, as Concert Secretary organised all the entertainment there. I spent many hours watching bands and singers perform there.”

Mrs O’Connor’s father, a big supporter of the Royal British Legion, served in the Second World War, and her cousin, Jim Shelton, ran the Poppy Appeal in the village for 60 years, The event starts at 8pm and is open to both Burley Social Club members and non-members. Call 07507125141 for tickets.

The annual Poppy Appeal coffee morning will take place in the Parish Centre, Station Road, on Saturday, November 9, with the Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Parish Church on Sunday, November 10, starting at 10.45am.