Last weekend I went to see the Steve Harley Acoustic Band play a concert at the City Varieties in Leeds.

Like, I suspect, many other people it was one of the first shows I have seen in recent years due to the Covid pandemic and the restrictions that surrounded it.

Steve wryly commented from the stage that he was promoting his ‘new album’ Uncovered - even though the record was actually released in February 2020.

He spoke of how good it was to be out on tour again. And as a member of the audience, it certainly felt good to be at a venue listening to live music.

Steve, whose most famous hit is Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me), is due to perform at Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre on June 14. As well as tracks from Uncovered, including interpretations of songs by the likes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, he will likely play 1970s hits such as Mr Soft and Judy Teen.

The arts centre is this year marking its 50th birthday and has announced a 12-month programme full of ‘stellar’ performances.

There will be headline shows by international artists including renowned acts such as Joan As Police Woman and This is The Kit.

The celebrations will see the world premiere of Hold Tight by Vincent Dance Theatre; a summer season of free outdoor music, family activities and DJ events; and a night curated by Pete Turner of Elbow, with special guests to be announced.

This area is certainly not short of venues staging top-class shows, featuring talented musicians and other creative people.

There are also numerous festivals, offering a variety of activities and entertainment.

I would encourage people to take advantage and enjoy some live entertainment. Covid has not gone away and people need to be cautious and take their own personal circumstances into account.

But going out to watch a live show can bring benefits to people’s mental health and raise their sense of well-being.

And artists and venues definitely deserve our support.