A BOLTON town centre venue which hosts live music is looking for bands and singers to grace its stage.

Downtown, Bradshawgate, will host a bank holiday extravaganza on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4.

Owner Steve Hoyle is appealing for acts, from solo artists to bands in all styles of music — acoustic and pop, folk to rock — to get in touch.

Steve, vice-chairman of Bolton's Night Time Economy Group, said: "I'm appealing for local acts who want to appear at a battle of the bands weekend.

"The local talent is very good. It's a very high standard, particularly the bands around the Bolton area."

Downtown also hosts the long-running Buskers Ball on the second, third and fourth Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

It is run by Alec Martin, British Blues Awards Nominee (Male Vocalist) 2014, and has been a popular night at venues across Bolton for many years, with the latest incarnation at Downtown.

Singers, bands and musicians are invited to turn up on the night to showcase their vocal talents.

Steve, chairman of the town's Pubwatch scheme, said: "We need to get the message out to get people back on the music scene.

"Come and have a look, see what's going on."

There is live music on at 4pm on Sundays, from tribute acts to original artists, and recently the bar played host to two members of The Commitments.

Steve, who has run pubs for 20 years including Hardy Hall in Little Lever for 14, said: "It's very good on Sunday afternoons.

"I do it on Friday nights as well, at 9pm.

"I have just started to do Saturday afternoons.

"I feel we are offering a bit more than just the nightlife.

"I'm not a cheap bar, I'm not about offering cheap drinks.

"I just feel it's something different."

Forthcoming acts include Jo Farrow on April 17, Hayley Michelle on May 1 and Kadie Jo Green on May 29.

Anyone interested in appearing at the Downtown Music Festival on May 3 and 4 can contact Steve by e mailing downtownbolton@virginmedia.com.