THE AWKWARD squad have been saved thanks to funding from Keighley Big Local!

Awkward is a band made up of 14 to 25 year olds taking part in the Big Music Project at Jam on Top recording studios in Keighley.

The 13 youngsters involved in the project feared a shortage of cash would mean the end of their weekly sessions at the studios in an old mill in Dalton Lane.

But Big Local, which is spending more than £1 million of lottery money in the surrounding ‘Keighley Valley’ area, decided to step in.

The Big Local Partnership Board, run by volunteers who live in the neighbourhoods between Stockbridge and Ingrow, granted cash from their Unique Keighley fund.

Big Music Project is part of a national programme dedicated to breaking barriers in the creative industries to make it easier for young people to get their foot in the door.

It is based in the heartland of the ‘Keighley Valley’.

Shaun O’Hare, who supports the Big Local volunteers through Airedale Enterprise Services, said Unique Keighley celebrated the town, its people and its heritage.

He said the funding had helped the Big Music project go from strength to strength, culminating in a celebration of learning during an evening of music on April 28 at 6.30pm in Jam on Top.

Sean said: “Jam on Top is a fantastic resource for Keighley and particularly its young people.

“The Big Music Project is essentially a music youth club incorporating technology, hobbies, social media, playing music, producing music and performing.

“I am sure they will get a good turnout for the gig. The young people of Awkward will be supported by local band Fail the Enemy.”

Awkward are made up of singer Freya Davies, bassist and drummer Dominic O’Brien, keyboard player Alessa Rainbow Green, guitarists Tom Bink-Howard and Harrison Newboult, bassist and ukulele player Logan Brenan and drummer John Holt-Shaw.

Mr O’Hare said that following the success of the project, Keighley Big Local volunteers were developing exciting plans for future projects with Jam on Top.

Tracey Leach, from Jam on Top, said: “Keighley is full of talent, and it’s been great working with enthusiastic young musicians.”

Email info@jamontop.com for details of the gig and the project.

Jam on Top was set up several years ago by Tracey and Brian Leach to provide rehearsal space and recording facilities for local bands.

It has been used by everyone from teenagers starting out in music to rising local bands and well-known names preparing for national tours and music festivals.

Jam on Top has also run its own radio station from the studios, on top of Melbourne Mills, which originally housed textile firm Sir James Hill, opposite Dalton Mills.

Keighley Big Local is spending more than £1 million of lottery cash over a ten-year period on resident-led regeneration projects in neighbourhoods such as Stockbridge, Worth Village, Parkwood, Hainworth Wood, Wesley Place and Red Holt.

Previous projects have included developing Hainworth Wood as a public amenity for walks and activities, Children’s Festivals on Parkwood recreation ground, and river clean-up days.