Al Stewart to play benefit gig to save West Yorkshire boozer

Multi-platinum selling folk-rock star Al Stewart has joined the fight to save a West Yorkshire pub after hearing of the residents' campaign to transform the boozer into a community hub.

The California-based 70s singer who took to the stage at the world's first Glastonbury festival is holding a special gig to raise funds for an action group set up to rescue the Holywell Inn, in Holywell Green after hearing of the locals' plight.

Scots-born Al – who tours the UK later this year including a performance at the Royal Albert Hall – will play a fundraising gig the Victoria Theatre, Halifax on Saturday 26 October to help generate cash to help residents strike a co-operative deal which will re-open the pub currently owned by a local property developer which has been closed since December 2011

An offer to purchase the property for the action group to run as a community enterprise was put forward earlier this year but rejected by the owner, however the Holywell Inn Action group has already secured approval from Calderdale Council for the building to be registered as a community asset, and is now putting together a bid to secure its future.

Among a range of fundraising activities, the group has already successfully secured funding from a national network of community organisations to help establish it as an incorporated body enabling it to bid to take over the Holywell Inn.

Al Stewart said: "I am proud to be able to support such a worthwhile cause and to help the community in Holywell Green. When John asked me to help I didn't hesitate to become involved."

www.holywellinn.co.uk