A FINAL gig in July saw Keighley Blues Club close after 11 years.

But local blues fans can still get their regular fix as Keighley Blues Live prepares to launch on September 23.

The Octagon on Bradford Road, Sandbeds, will be the venue for the new club, which is run by some former organisers of Keighley Blues Club with fellow music-lovers.

The launch gig will be headlined by the multi-award-winning Kaz Hawkins Band from Northern Ireland.

A KBL spokesman said: “We've got probably the longest-established and most popular UK blues band coming in February and a Grammy-winning guitarist and his band in January, plus many other top acts.”

Three of the upcoming performers are among contestants in the prestigious UK Blues Challenge organised by the UK Blues Federation: Kaz Hawkins Band (September 23), Dove and Boweevil (November 11) and Wille And The Bandits (March 3).

The fourth and final contestant, Rebekah Downes, played Keighley Blues Club last month.

Kokomo Kings and guests the Ruby Stone Sound Collective will play on October 14, while King Pleasure And The Biscuit Boys will be joined by the Backyard Burners on December 9.

Coming up: Martin Barr Band (January 20), the Blues Band (February 10) and Might Sanchez And The Portions (March 24).

Visit keighleyblueslive.co.uk/gig-guide for further information.