CULTURAL Quarter bar The Lounge is to host a three-day music festival celebrating Warrington’s grassroots music scene.

Lounge Fest will run from July 25 to 27 featuring more than 30 bands and artists on three stages.

Among the line-up is indie rockers Muddy Elephant whose busy year has so far included making their debut at Warrington Music Festival and being championed by BBC Introducing.

They will be returning to The Lounge for the festival next Thursday, July 25, after previously supporting La Scala at the Springfield Street venue earlier in the year.

Drummer Andy Happer, a former Woolston High School student, said: “We’re excited to play there again. It’s an intimate venue where you’re eye to eye with the crowd and it’s played a big part in the town’s music scene.

“I’m often in there on nights out anyway and the rest of the band loved it as soon as they played there.

“Warrington’s music scene seems to be on the rise again.”

Andy, who lives in Padgate, is a familiar face on the town’s circuit as he has been drumming for about 12 years and used to be in Warrington band The Animus. But he has quickly found success with Muddy Elephant after joining at the start of the year.

The 26-year-old added: “The momentum has built up quite fast with this band and we’re going to keep on pushing to see where it takes us next.

“It’s been a bit of a blur. We’ve not really had a break this year.”

One bizarre – but profile raising – turn was when their single, Take It, featured on This Morning. Their song was played during one of the fashion segments.

Andy said: “They also give your band a little plug as well so you get people messaging you on Facebook saying they heard your song.

“It’s a bit of a weird moment. I was on my dinner break at B&Q when it came on and heard Philip Schofield mention my band. My workmates couldn’t believe it.”

Another of Andy’s 2019 highlights has been Warrington Music Festival.

Andy, who was inspired by jazz drummer Buddy Rich and The Who’s Keith Moon, added: “For unsigned bands, it’s brilliant as you get so much support and exposure and the turn out every year is great.

“You get to play to people who might not be able to get to the gigs and it’s nice to think you could be inspiring some of the kids in the crowd. Organiser Steve Oates has been with the festival since the beginning and knows me from The Animus days.”

Lounge Fest runs from July 25 to 27. The Thursday session is free with Friday and Saturday passes costing £8 or £15 for all weekend.

Tickets are available on eventbrite.com. For more information go to The Lounge’s Facebook page