AUSTRALIAN four-piece City Riots will kick off their European tour at the Ship in Leigh next Friday.

The band are playing at Brighton's Great Escape Festival in May, but were lured to Essex after speaking to promoters for the Pink Flamingo night, held once a month at the Ship.

After touring across Australia the band have played shows in New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

Their brand of anthemic indie rock caught the attention of Martin Elbourne, the former agent of New Order and the Smiths, who booked them to play the popular Great Escape Festival.

They have also confirmed a handful of dates across England.

After chatting to Pink Flamingo promoter Will Bray over the internet, they agreed to do a one-off show in Leigh.

The Pink Flamingo has been running for three months and is going from strength to strength.

It started as the Leigh Open Mic night over a year ago every two weeks at the Grand Hotel but has since moved to the Ship.

On Friday City Riots will be joined by Phillious Williams . The Jayways and Nolan Abbott.

City Riots, Friday May 9 The Ship New Road Leigh 8pm £3.50