Only the Poets give slot to unsigned act at £1 gig

A band will give an unsigned group or artist a supporting slot at a legendary London venue when they play a sold-out gig where all tickets cost £1.

Only the Poets, from Reading, Berkshire, and Banbury, Oxfordshire, charged £1 for their first gig seven years ago and will again when they perform at the O2 Academy Brixton on 2 February.

The four-piece will comb through acts ahead of shortlisting five of them who will be invited to play at Reading's Purple Turtle on 31 January. Fans will then choose the support act.

The indie pop band, first featured on BBC Introducing, have supported Lewis Capaldi, Yungblud and Bastille and their debut album And I'd Do It Again will be released on 30 January.

"We are firm believers in trying to keep music accessible, especially for young people and we just wanted to raise the conversation and make something bigger than us," frontman Tommy Longhurst said.

"The Purple Turtle is where we played our very first show and we're so proud to be from Reading.

"It's something that when Brixton was a conversation we had the idea to do this and I'm so glad that we're coming through with it. What a night it's going to be, to have an unsigned act to open the show."

All five acts will be paid a fee for appearing at the Purple Turtle, the band said.

Those interested in entering can submit their application online.

Along with the £1 ticket fee charged by the band, people going to the gig next month have been asked to donate £1 to the LIVE Trust, which supports the live music and entertainment sector.

In addition, the ticket price includes a £1 venue restoration fee and a £1 Ticketmaster fee but both of those have been reduced in recognition of the band's gesture.