Ripley to host band that's accompanied Van Morrison more than 3,000 times in concert

The wooden floorboards of the Harrogate area’s oldest venue are to host its ‘biggest ever gig’ with a band almost as famous as its usual lead singer.

Led by Leo Green, this all-star group of legendary musicians, who between them have accompanied Van Morrison more than 3,000 times live in concert, as well as amassing a staggering 600 recording credits with him, will play not one but two nights at this historic location in November.

The dates are the latest coup for a small but beautiful venue which first opened its doors in 1854.

Coming to Ripley Town Hall - The Van Morrison Alumni Band who between them have accompanied Van Morrison more than 3,000 times live in concert. (Picture contributed)

Most recently, legendary guitarist Albert Lee played a sold-out concert at Ripley Town Hall.

Volunteer promoters Ripley Live spent nearly 20 years trying to bring the Grammy Award-winning musician to the lovely village of Ripley.

The great Van Morrison himself is embarking in a UK tour in October with sold out notices appearing everywhere.

But you can still get tickets if you are quick for The Van Morrison Alumni Band performing a classic catalogue of Van Morrison's soul-stirring music at Ripley Town Hall on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7.

So expect some exciting and unforgettable versions of songs made famous by the iconic Northern Irish singer, such as Moondance, Brown Eyed Girl, Into the Mystic, Jackie Wilson Said, Bright Side of the Road, Have I Told You Lately, Domino and Caravan.

Ripley Town Hall was designed in the Gothic Revival style to resemble a continental European village hall.

Originally housing the Ripley Mechanic and Literary Institute, it later evolved into a vibrant community hub

The small team at Ripley Live, which includes veteran organiser Andy Herrington, played a key role last year in buying the Grade II listed Ripley Town Hall for community use.

Thanks to Ripley Live, acts such as The Yardbirds, Paul Jones of Manfred Mann, Georgie Fame, The Animals, Taj Mahal, Andy Fairweather Low, Magna Carta and Stax Records guitarist Steve Cropper have all trod the wooden floorboards of this characterful venue.