RETRO trio The Velveteens are taking part in a special West Yorkshire music event next month.

The Otley schoolgirls, who take their inspiration from a range of legendary acts from the late 50s and early 60s, are one of nine bands showcasing their talents at the AboveBeyond festival of music at the Belgrave club in Leeds, on March 30 and 31.

The teenagers are playing on the second of two nights and all money raised from the events will go towards supporting the Above & Beyond movement, which is attempting to promote issues which it believes will ultimately help make society more sustainable in the long term.

Band member Ione Lamb said: “It is great to be part of something like this and I can’t wait for us to perform at the Belgrave. It is a brilliant venue and the atmosphere should be amazing.”

The two-day event opens on Monday, March 30 with Bradford act Indianic headlining while Bradford folk duo Waiting for Wednesday will round off events 24 hours later.

Event organiser Mark Flanagan said: “We have been amazed at the response and all the bands are really behind what we are trying to do. And I am delighted the Velveteens can play. They are absolutely fantastic live.

“I also think it says a lot about the music scene in West Yorkshire that there are so many superb bands out there and we are also so lucky in this area to have some fantastic venues for them to play in.

“The Belgrave is relatively new but it has already established itself as one of the best gigging venues in the county. I am certain it has helped encourage this brilliant growth in new acts and I think West Yorkshire is set to become a centre for musical excellence once again.

“Anyone who comes to one of the AboveBeyond nights will see just what fantastic talent is about to break through.”

Tickets cost just £5.50 and are available to buy online at voteaboveandbeyond.org/abovebeyond-gigs.html. Tickets will not be sold on the night.