THREE friends are hoping to create a buzz around Warrington's music scene with regular band nights at Friars Court.

Sophie Cade, Seb Caddick and Ben Hoyles are launching Friars Live on Saturday, October 29, with performances by Delphina Kings, Fort Myers, Polareyes and The Hotspur Press.

They were inspired after hosting a fundraising concert for the Viola Beach Memorial Fund at the Barbauld Street venue in September.

Warrington indie pop band Viola Beach and their manager Craig Tarry tragically died in a crash in Sweden on February 13.

"Seeing Friars so full of music fans, interested in north west talent was great to see," said Seb, who attended Woolston High School.

Sophie, 24, added: "It's the same reason we have decided to give this thing a shot.

"To generate a regular live music platform for bands is our aim so we're hoping that the Viola Beach fundraiser has kickstarted that."

Seb and Ben organised the fundraiser and also performed at the gig with their band, Michigan, while Sophie, a music business student at BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music Institute), promoted the show.

Ben, a former Culcheth High School pupil, said: "It was great to see the night from a band's perspective as well as a promoter's."

The night raised more than £1,000 towards a memorial for Kris Leonard, Jack Dakin, River Reeves, Tom Lowe and Craig.

Seb, 22, said: "They were clearly a band who were onto great things. Viola Beach will be remembered in Warrington for a long time – for their music and for the legacy and incredible work ethic they left behind."

Sophie, a former Lymm High School pupil added: "Viola Beach cracked it. They had found their place in the music industry and their potential as a band was so refreshing to see.

"Although under unfortunate circumstances, hopefully their legacy can inspire Warrington bands, venues and promoters to take advantage of the number of incredible music fans there are in the town.

"I have wanted to generate a regular live music event in Warrington for some time as I believe that the all-important starting platform for bands is missing in the town.

"Following the Viola Beach fundraiser, all three of us put our heads together as it is evident that the talent and passion is there, we just need that regular support for our musicians. It's something we all feel incredibly passionate about."

Ben and Seb have previously had to play gigs further afield in Manchester due to the lack of venues in Warrington.

But they said things have been getting better with regular live music at the Auction Rooms in Legh Street and the Brewhouse in Buttermarket Street.

"It would be great to see Warrington have a healthy, bustling music scene," said Ben, 24.

"I know the jazz bar Anima has just opened and I've heard good things about it but there are definitely a number of places in Warrington that we're hoping will latch onto the same idea.

"Catfish and the Bottlemen played at Friars Court a few years ago. I saw a few bands at Friars when they used to showcase live music and it was always a great atmosphere – something of which we would love to bring back."

Friars Live on Saturday, October 29, will feature Delphina Kings who recently played at Warrington Festival, Fort Myers who were part of Manchester's Indie Week festival and Polareyes who have been invited back after their set at the Viola Beach fundraiser.

Headlining the night is The Hotspur Press, an emerging Manchester band who have recently signed to B33 Management.

Tickets can be bought in advance online. Visit skiddle.com and search for Friars Live.