STRAIGHT off the back of releasing acclaimed records on their shared label, two Lancaster DIY bands are heading out to play a series of northern gigs.

Having just released the acclaimed ‘Happy Shopper EP’, local favourites Mr Ben and the Bens will play alongside Sun Drift, who recently put out debut LP ‘Dumbo’.

The bands will take their music to new ears at the Yorkshire House pub in Lancaster as well as playing gigs in Manchester and Leeds – having already earned the support of BBC 6 Music’s Marc Riley and like minded ex-tour mates The Wave Pictures and The Lovely Eggs.

Songwriter Ben Hall, of Mr Ben and the Bens, said: “The positive response we have had on our support tours and gigs with the label has been amazing.

“We’re a tight-knit bunch, so we always have a great time on tour, and getting to meet people around the country who like our music is something that never stops feeling like a massive privilege.

“We’re really looking forward to getting this album out on the road and showing all the people who bought it what we can do with the music live.”

Mr Ben and the Bens started out as a solo project in a barn on the outskirts of Lancaster, before expanding into the full band it is today.

The Happy Shopper EP came out in summer on Lancaster independent label Bingo Records and saw the band gain traction through 6 Music live sessions and on tours with The Lovely Eggs, The Wave Pictures and the rest of the Bingo roster.

Sun Drift is the project of Zac Barfoot, who also drums in Ben’s band.

His debut LP ‘Dumbo’ came out at the beginning of September, and these three gigs will see some of the songs getting their first live outing.

The LP’s release followed a series of EP’s, as well as a split single with Mr Ben, which sold out last year.

Zac’s, creative process is very much routed in the DIY scene in Lancaster.

Zac, explained: “Dumbo is the nickname we coined for the house which feels like a base where we can be creative and support everybody on the label.

“Our basement has become a communal practice and recording space, and my bedroom is a control room and mixing space for all my work.

“The name felt appropriate because I feel like the house and what goes on there has had an impact on the music I have been making.”

The gig at the Yorkshire House in Lancaster is on September 22.

Tickets are available online on seetickets.com and on the door.