ONE of East Lancashire's busiest venues celebrates its first birthday in style on Saturday May 6.

The Attic on Warner Street, Accrington, regularly stages gigs on Friday and Saturday nights and has become a showcase venue for local bands and those from further afield.

To mark the venue's first year, a special party has been arranged, headlined by Maupa.

Also featured are The Citizen Band, who will be returning to their home town from London for the gig, and Brother Bastion, who will be playing some "acoustic turbo blues".

Paul Fox, the man behind The Attic said: "The past 12 months have been brilliant. We have got live bands playing every week in Accrington and the response has been phenomenal.

"We've not only looked at getting local bands and there are a lot of great ones about at the moment but we have brought bands in from all over the country and they are amazed at what we have created."

With a capacity of just 150, it is the intimate atmosphere of the venue which has proved so popular.

"We wouldn't want to make it any bigger," said Paul.

"It is the intimacy which makes The Attic special. You have got to keep small venues personal.

"We have had some bands who have played in front of several thousand people but they just love the atmosphere The Attic generates. It's a real live music venue."

The Attic has now firmly established itself on the live music scene and promoters are beginning to send their up-and-coming bands there to do warm-up gigs.

A number of famous names have already played there including Tom Hingley from the Insipiral Carpets and Terrorvision's Tony Wright.

"Now we are looking at taking things on to the next stage," said Paul.

"In my mind we are only about 10 per cent of the way to where I want to be.

"Although I am originally from Manchester, Accrington is now my home and this town has so much to offer."

The Attic's first birthday party featuring Maupa, on Saturday, May 6 from 8pm. Admission free.