THE lead singer of a popular Oswestry band is hoping they will be able to spread some post-pandemic cheer in the town.

Alfie Edwards fronts four-piece The Bartells, who are regulars on the town's pub scene, as well as playing events such Oswestry Live and the Christmas lights switch on.

Alfie believes they can play their part in restoring smiles in the town with a Town Council-led celebration, and says the band managed to get over some of their own disappointments from 2020 with a trip to the studio for a new release out this week.

"Oswestry, before Covid, had a vibrant competitive music scene with some great venues supporting local live music," he said.

"I think people have realised how important live music is and we can't express how much we can't wait to get back to supporting the local landlords and venue owners who take the chance of paying artists with the hope that people come along.

"Venues like The Griffin, The Tankard and the Fox in Oswestry and even places like The Keys in St Martins, who are at the forefront of live music, will need the support of locals when times will return to normal.

"We as a band have supported the annual Community Games, obviously hit by restrictions, but we think that come autumn the town with the help of the council should put on a live celebration of life getting back to normal maybe in Cae Glas park, in respect to all the people we have lost in the pandemic.

"We had a great year planned this year with some good festivals, support slots and a new single due out but like everyone out there, everything got put on hold.

"Before the restrictions came in late Autumn we did manage to go into the iconic Motor Museum recording studio in Liverpool and record a new song called 1972.

"It is being released on iTunes, Spotify and all other platforms on Friday, January 29.

"We have teamed up with a producer called George Shilling for the Radio version and Declan West, long-time friend of the band has produced a video and with photography from local photographer Alun Lloyd, another long time friend, we have put together what we think is great song."

For more about the band and how to download the single, head to https://www.facebook.com/thebartells