RIGHT now, on the highways and byways of this United Kingdom, the members of Cumbrian band Hardwicke Circus may well be speeding to their next gig location in their customised police riot van.

Hardwicke Circus are fast building a reputation as one of the most vibrant rock bands to emerge from the UK in recent years.

Their blues-rock sound brings comparisons with the brio of the E Street Band or Southside Johnny and the dark passion of classic Doors, but with plenty of British authenticity and perhaps even a hint of Dexy’s in their horn-laden attack.

With every new show, more and more fans get on board, because this is a group where there’s so much to watch as well as to listen to.

However, in order to continue their positive trajectory, the band need to buy their riot van so they can customise it into a specially-adapted touring vehicle.

“Our aim is to be able play and record everywhere in Britain & Ireland, but the only way we will be able to do it with with this economy is with new transport in the shape of a bus, set up with live in bunks, a recording studio and outside stage attached, everything we need to succeed” said drummer Tom Foster.

In order to do this, the band need to raise £18,000. This will enable them to buy the van and refit it to suit their needs.

Their first step towards this goal is to play three fundraising nights in their hometown of Carlisle across the August bank holiday (24, 25 and 26).

These will take place at The Source Collective is Carlisle’s long-established arts hub, where the band are based.

Singer Johnny Foster said: “We get touring bands, poets, theatre productions coming through, and this is where we hang out and focus on the writing. Then we can take whatever we come up with around the country. It’s ideal.”

Following the gigs at their base, the band will play every possible gig throughout autumn, in the hope of raising the money in time to take the van on the road in 2019.

Once they have raised the money, the band will do the refit of the van themselves, aided by their sound man Jason.

Proudly based in the historic town of Carlisle in Cumbria, in the north-west quarter of England, this motoring theme continues when you know that the band are named after a famous roundabout in the town.

“There’s an art and performance thing about the name Hardwicke Circus and it emphasises our proud ties to our home town,” said Jonny.

Tickets available online.