Ex-Beautiful South singer seeks pubs to play at
Ex-Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton is looking for venues to perform at as part of a cycling tour to promote traditional pubs.
Heaton will begin his 720-mile Pedals and Pumps trip in May at the set of the Rovers Return in Manchester.
Travelling by bike, Heaton will be aiming to play 15 gigs with his band across the North and Midlands at a range of different pubs - and hopefully stay the night.
He will also encourage fans and locals to cycle to gigs - as part of the aim is to promote cycling as the greenest form of transport.
"I'm looking forward to pedalling around the country to promote cycling and the British pub," said Heaton.
"Both are very close to my heart. I've been cycling all my life and the British pub has provided most of my favourite stop off points.
"It saddens me to hear about so many British pubs closing on a weekly basis so I want to do all I can to get people back to their local."
CAMRA has welcomed the idea. Senior marketing manager Tony Jerome said: "This fun and unique way of supporting and promoting the traditional English village pub is just what the pub industry needs with more than 50 pubs closing every week."
Heaton is looking for pubs in a 10-mile radius of:
Rochdale, Congleton, Much Wenlock, Stratford Upon Avon, Thame, Tutts Clump, Godstone, St Neots, Wisbech, Skegness, Beverley, Otley, Burnley and Manchester.
If you feel your pub could be suitable email: pedalsandbeerpumps@sjmconcerts.com
