OTLEY Courthouse is preparing to host its first socially distanced gig since the coronavirus lockdown.

The Jon Palmer Acoustic Band will bring its distinctive brand of ‘folk, roots and rock n’ roll’ to the arts venue on Saturday, October 3.

The group will actually perform twice on the night - first at 6pm and then again at 8.30pm.

The show will be a fundraiser for the Courthouse and comes after the band’s usual annual gig there, due to take place earlier this year, had to be rescheduled because of the pandemic.

The Jon Palmer Acoustic Band have been described - by Leeds Music Scene - as ‘a cross between The Pogues and Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Session Band with a bit of Waterboys and Saw Doctors thrown in for good measure’.

A Courthouse spokesperson said: “Jon is a regular at the Courthouse, performing an annual gig which always sells out as well as being a regular at the local Otley Folk Club, both with his band and as a solo performer.

“It is a great tribute to Jon and his band that all ticket sales from this gig will go towards preserving the ongoing future of Otley Courthouse.

“Many thanks to Jon and his band for agreeing to support the Courthouse at this time. We can’t wait to welcome you all back to this event.”

Jon Palmer himself has been spreading the word about the shows on the band’s Facebook page. He said: “Hey folks. Next up for the Jon Palmer Acoustic Band is a special fundraiser evening at Otley Courthouse on October 3 with all proceeds going towards the running costs of the venue.

“The first show is at 6pm and then there is a second show at 8.30pm - in between times the seating gets a good scrub down. Both shows are on a strict advanced ticket, socially distanced basis and seating capacity for each is circa 40.

“This will be the rocking five piece version of the band with young Tom P on cajon, and we’ll also have a local jangly music legend coming along to help out on a couple of tracks.

“Please spread the news and get ‘em booked.”

Tickets cost £10 per person, per performance and must be booked in advance.

For more details visit www.otleycourthouse.org.uk.