WHO says the Lakes is off the pop-map?

This spring, three big names are poised to burst into bloom, brightening this oh-so-tranquil corner of the earth.

New York's most musical outlaws - the Fun Lovin' Criminals, are heading for the Sands Centre, Carlisle on Thursday, March 8.

The rock/blues band exploded on to the world stage during the 90s with their hip-hop inspired sounds, and have been mooching around on the sofa's of fame ever since.

With their recent single 'Loco' entering the UK charts at number 5, all Scottish gigs on their present tour have sold out and tickets for their Carlisle performance are already flying out of the door.

Ocean Colour Scene are making a return trip to The Sands Centre on Saturday, March 25.

Fans of britpop everywhere should be lured out of the woodwork with the promise of hearing The Riverboat Song, just one more time.

Believed by some to be the best thing to burst out of Birmingham since er, spaghetti junction, it hasn't all been plain sailing for Ocean Colour Scene.

The chaps have successfully navigated the highs and lows of a stormy ten-year career which has been, at best glorious and at worst unremarkable.

Check them out for size this spring and you could be riding on the crest of a wave.

Following the release of their new album, due out later this spring, the brash and brilliant Shed Seven will be stomping their way to Morecambe for a night of rock mayhem.

Start scraping the pennies together now because their special blend of northern wit and pop-star eye candy, will ensure tickets for this stand-up gig go like hot cross buns.

Shed Seven will play at The Platform, Morecambe, on April 19.