THE boys will be back in town when members of a Forest rock band return to their roots to play a gig organised by hometown pupils.

Alt rock and punk outfit Elessar will be returning home to perform at

Cinderford Community Church on Friday, April 28.

The four-piece of Ricky Powell (vocals and guitar), Alex Evans (guitar), Dan James (drums) and Jack Gambling (bass) began life in SoundSpace studios in the grounds of the Forest High School in 2015, and the gig is being organised by BTEC music pupils as part of their course.

Dan and Alex attended the school and helped set up and run the studios, the local base for The Music Works charity, which aims to transform lives through creative music-making.

Students contacted Elessar to ask if they could perform at the gig and the band hope it will kick off a revival of local gigs by young groups, saying they were inspired by the local scene 10 to 15 years ago and want to spark a new scene for a new generation.

Ricky Powell said: “We are so stoked to come back to where it all began. We’ve been working hard since we started and it is beginning to really pay off.

“We managed a 12-date headline tour in April 2016, and to come back to Cinderford and play a show means a lot.

“Also, it’s a really cool idea to have the students involved. I guarantee it won’t be easy, but I’m sure they’ll learn a lot from it. Our goal is just to make sure everyone has a great night.

“I still remember watching local bands growing up and I was so inspired by it. It made me want to make my own band and put a gig on.

“It’d be great if we can do the same for them, it could be the boost the ‘local scene’ needs to get going again.”

The group say they have made a solid name for themselves with their energetic and passionate live performances, with recent sold out shows in Leeds and Newcastle.

Their debut EP Reflections was released in April 2016 and the band were marked as “one to watch for 2017”.

They have been recording a new five-track EP for an autumn release and will be playing several festivals this summer, including the SuckerPunch festival in Leeds and Smithfest in Hartlepool.

Forest High head teacher Paul Holroyd said: “We are delighted that our BTEC music students have been able to set this up. They have the full support of the school.

“We want all our students to see how with hard work, commitment and inspiration, great things can be achieved”

Tickets for the gig are available from Forest High School reception from Mon, April 24, from 8am to 4.30pm, or on 01594 822257, or you can pay on the door.