KENDAL’S Brewery Arts Centre has a new programmer, who hopes to use his experience in booking bands for high-profile Manchester venues to bring music to the town.

Gareth Butterworth also works for Band on the Wall who book bands in conjunction with the Brewery. He took over following three years working for the Night and Day in Manchester, and promoting bands independently in Preston.

The Brewery Arts Centre has been using its partnership with Band on the Wall to book its bands for the past few years.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be working for Band on the Wall and the Brewery. It’s a great company to work for and the job is really challenging in a good way. I’m relishing the prospect.

“It’s nice to be able to offer bands two shows instead of one. Kendal is a great location for bands that are travelling up to Scotland after Manchester.

“I’ll definitely be looking into booking young, up and coming bands. I’ll be trying to keep the genres mixed as well as providing something for all the different age demographics.

“First I’ll start by looking at what works up in Kendal. I’ll look at bands that have success and have been well received there in the past. So there may be some repeat bookings of those popular bands.

“I’ll also be looking to bring some new acts to the area too.

“I’ll be working with contacts I already have to do that.”

Both Band on the Wall and Night and Day have a history of supporting new music, and it is through connections formed by promoting these bands that Gareth will have the ability to bring new acts to Kendal.

One such event is ‘Future Vibes’, at the Manchester venue. This all-day event will feature emerging talent from across the north, some of which may find its way to Kendal over time.

Gareth’s appointment comes at a time when the Brewery has announced its summer programme. It will see the likes of The East Pointers, and The Snake Davis Band and Kanda Bongo Man, play at the venue, alongside plenty more and any new bookings made by the new programmer.