A man who played on rock band Catfish and the Bottlemen's most popular album is coming to Congleton.

Billy Bibby, former lead guitarist and founding member of Catfish and the Bottlemen, was a member of the Welsh indie music group from 2007 to 2014.

Now, he will play Congleton on July 22, a connection forged by the landlord of a Lawton Street pub being formerly employed in the music industry.

Jordan Oldfield, operator of The Prince of Wales, had this to say about next Saturday's gig.

Jordan Oldfield outside The Prince of Wales. (Image - Alexander Greensmith)

"It's a testament to the work we're all putting in here on ensuring Congleton has a thriving live music scene that names like Billy are prepared to travel to us," said Jordan.

"He has a heart for harmony and is like a human juke box playing songs across the ages and it's easy to see why Catfish And The Bottlemen's first album represents their best work to date featuring his natural songsmithing."

"We're running a professionally hosted open mic every Tuesday from 8pm to entice some of the huge pool of musically talented Conglemen and Congleladies to perform and show us their stuff or for pros to come and jam either way it'll be as fun a night of free entertainment as you'll find this side of New Orleans.

"There's a real buzz about the team with the entertainment lined up and the brewery are giving us their full backing with Green Monkey sponsoring open mic allowing us to offer a beer to performers. There's a lot to look forward to at The Prince of Wales.

Billy Bibby (top left), Matt Thomas, Rob Jones, and Michael Pearce play their first show at Telford's Warehouse in Chester, UK on November 28, 2015. (Image - CC 4.0 bit.ly/3uIFyJh Michael Kitchen Unchanged)

The gig will be free, and is part of their 'The Sounds of Summer' campaign to get Congleton buzzing with weekly live music.

It will start at 9pm, but get there early to avoid disappointment.

The pub - where Prince Charles once poured a pint - has been run by former Nantwich publican Jordan Oldfield since May 2022.

You can learn more about the pub in our previous Congleton Nub News article with Jordan.

Billy - who has since formed his own band and career as a solo artist - played on Catfish and the Bottlemen's UK Top 10 album The Balcony.

Congleton: You can listen to some of Billy's music by clicking here.

The pub also hold an open mic night for the public to take part in, every Tuesday, at 8pm.

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