A POPULAR festival is guaranteed to get music lovers in a spin when it returns to Durham next month.

The Launderette Sessions commence on Thursday, September 20, when keyboardist, songwriter and raconteur Rick Wakeman and folk legend Nancy Kerr will kickstart four days of live music.

Launched to acclaim last year, the festival is delivered in partnership by the Gala Theatre and the Old Cinema Launderette, with gigs taking place at both venues until Sunday, September 23.

Wakeman, with his unique take on contemporary pop, rock and classical music and hilarious anecdotes, is the opening act at the Gala Theatre. The gig begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £27.

He will be followed by songwriter Josienne Clark and guitarist Ben Walker on Friday, 21 September at 8pm. Guitarist Martin Simpson will also take to the stage at the Durham County Council-run venue at 7.30pm that night.

Indie-rock trio William the Conqueror, meanwhile, will bring their arresting blend of classic blues, grunge and indie to the Gala on Saturday, 22 September, at 8pm.

Tickets for all three performances cost £15 each.

The Old Cinema Launderette, a former cinema. has been lovingly converted into a retro launderette, music venue and bar. By day the Gilesgate venue offers a quirky place to do laundry, while by night it transforms into an atmospheric concert space.

Kerr will perform there on Thursday, September 20, at 8.30pm, with tickets costing £15.

On Friday, September 21, Britpop star and former frontman of The Seahorses Chris Helme will perform in front of the launderette’s industrial dryers. Doors open at 8pm and tickets cost £20.

Saturday, September 22 will see singer-songwriter Joana Serrat captivate festival-goers, with doors opening at 8pm and tickets priced at £13.

And on Sunday, September 23, legendary guitarist and vocalist Michael Chapman will round off the festival. Tickets cost £16 and doors open at 7.30pm.

Gala Theatre manager Robin Byers said: “Last year, the Launderette Sessions Festival was a great success, with fantastic feedback from audiences.

"Together with our friends from the Old Cinema Launderette, we love curating this boutique festival of musical gems. It’s this carefully selected and eclectic mix of artists which make the event the success it is”

Richard Turner, also known as Mr Wishy Washy, who owns the Old Cinema Launderette with his wife, Kathy, said: “What makes the Launderette Sessions so special is that it offers the audience established and emerging artists. There really is something for everyone.

“The larger gigs at the Gala allow you to share the music with hundreds of fellow fans in a spacious auditorium, while the Old Theatre Launderette provides a more intimate and informal setting where you can get up close to the musicians.”