North-East bands are being given the chance to perform outside their home towns under a new scheme.

The Transit initiative, run by music agency Generator and funded by the Arts Council, aims to give unsigned groups a taste of touring and performing in front of unfamiliar audiences.

Local bands The Offbeats, Idols Are Higher and Capital State will perform three shows under the Transit banner.

On Thursday, they will be at the Archer, in Newcastle, on Friday at Darlington Arts Centre and on Saturday at Carpe Diem, in Leeds.

For gig information visit www.transit.uk.net

Published: 11/11/2003