A ROCK and metal festival held in Radcliffe for the last eight years will be moving to Prestwich, after the impending closure of Radcliffe Civic Suite forced organisers to relocate.

The SOS Festival has grown into a three-day extravaganza since first coming to Radcliffe, and has brought in fans travelling from as far as mainland Europe, Canada, and even Japan to see the line-up of local and international bands.

The event, which was headlined this year by former Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley, will now move to the Longfield Suite in Prestwich when it returns next July.

Mark Appleton, of sponsors Rocksector Records, said: "Having talked and corresponded with the local council, I'm as satisfied as I can be that the closure of Radcliffe Civic will go ahead in April as recently suggested.

"For me it was a clear and necessary decision to immediately secure the future of our event by relocating and the Longfield represents a brilliant choice.

"Although we loved working from the previous venue, the Longfield infact affords us various advantages with Prestwich tram station directly opposite, less than one mile to the motorway network and a Premier Inn within easy walking distance, as well as continuing benefits such as ample free parking.

"Also, those who sweated out the heatwave with us during the 2014 event at Radcliffe will understand our joy in discovering that our new venue has air conditioning."

The Radcliffe Times revealed last month that the Civic Suite is set to be demolished in April to make way for a multi-million pound affordable housing development.

A new leisure and entertainment venue will then be built on the site of the former Radcliffe Pool, in Green Street, acting as a replacement for the Civic Suite and the temporary Radcliffe Leisure Centre.

All tickets already purchased for the 2016 SOS Festival remain valid and prices have been frozen for the seventh year running, at £10 per day for Saturday or Sunday and £15 for a weekend ticket.

Acts already confirmed for next year's show include Babylon Fire, Knock Out Kaine, Crimes of Passion, and Massive Wagons.

Tickets are on sale now at www.sosfestival.net