Line-up announced for next Lancaster Music Co-Op Presents...

The line-up has been announced for the next 'Lancaster Music Co-Op Presents...' night of live music at a city venue.

The Arcane Hope, who have been played multiple times on Cocker's BBC 6Music shows, are a seven-piece art band full of atmosphere and eccentricity.

Based in Lancaster and recording in Salford, the project emerged from an art project and grew from collective spirit, involving over 45 collaborators and spanning generations.

Their growing catalogue, available on Bandcamp and streaming platforms, includes tracks such as Nature Prayer slash Lunaria Annua, Guillemot, A Good Life and more, blending expansive moods with thoughtful composition.

They will perform at the gig upstairs at The Pub on China Street in Lancaster on Friday April 24 from 7.30pm.

Also on the bill will be Bailey Moore, who has forged a cult following in his native Lake District, selling out concert halls and performing at countless festivals including Kendal Calling.

He’s been working with his current band for just under two years crashing post-punk, grunge and indie sleaze with sharp edged Britpop and power pop to create his own unique sound coming soon in the form of ‘Suburban Dream’, the debut EP.

Opening up events, will be the homegrown talent of singer-songwriter, Rachel Wyche.

Rachel is a local folk-rock legend who regularly performs gigs in Lancaster and across the local music scene.

Inspired by the raw honesty of Alanis Morissette and the gritty warmth of Sheryl Crow, Rachel is currently working toward releasing her debut album before the end of the year, while also forming a new duet act, Day for the Ducks, with fellow musician Joe Butler. 

Admission is free.

Lancaster Music Co-Op is a long-time rehearsal facility, recording studio and music space on Lodge Street in the city, which opened in 1985. 

In 2018 Lancaster’s creative community rallied together and fought hard to save the Co-Op after an eviction notice was served by Lancaster City Council.

Following public pressure, councillors voted unanimously to save the Co-op, repair the building, issue a long-term lease and protect its future.

A comprehensive renovation was needed, including a new roof, to ensure the facility was safe and fit for purpose. The building had to be completely gutted, with the rehearsal rooms and studio ripped out.

Significant progress has since been on site funded by £1.2m from the government’s Community Ownership Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Lancaster’s High Street Heritage Action Zone and the city council.

A community fundraising campaign has made further headway in raising the finance needed to finish the job, including kitting out the interior.

Generous contributions have been made via a Go Fund Me page, sales of co-op merch, a compilation by artists who have used the co-op down the years, and monthly music nights at The Pub.

There remains a £100,000 shortfall, however, prompting a bid for Arts Council funding.

While the rehearsal rooms and recording studio have now been rebuilt, heating, air conditioning, a full electricity supply and lighting need to be installed, flooring put in, and the public areas and office completed.

Read more: Lancaster Music Co-op prepares £100k Arts Council bid to help overcome funding shortfall - Beyond Radio

Lancaster Music Co-Op signs "momentous" 100-year lease after 20-year battle - Beyond Radio