A LOCAL consortium has clinched a deal to 'Rock the Regal' by promoting a series of concerts this autumn which will appeal to lovers of popular music. Louise Crossman Architects, Morris Carpets and broadcaster David Mortimer are working together to bring well-known bands to the people of West Somerset - and the Regal Theatre's Lift Fund will benefit. 'Rock the Regal' concerts this autumn will feature the Manfreds on Friday October 7, Dean Friedman on November 4 and Glenn Tilbrook on December 10. Louise Crossman said: "We are delighted to be adding our support to this series of concerts, which as well as bringing some great bands to Minehead, will help the on-going development at the Regal to ensure that access is made easier for everyone and help attract people out of the locality to the town during a normally quiet time." The Manfreds, one of the biggest bands of the 60s, enjoyed their two sell-out nights so much on their last visit that they hardly hesitated in agreeing to come back to the Regal for what may be their last concert for a while. Last year Dean Friedman sold out a concert at Raleigh's Cross and a whole new group of fans were won over to this approachable and unassuming pop legend. Dean's songs in the 70s were played on the radio all the time - "Ariel", Woman of Mine" and "Lucky Stars" were massive hits. Glenn Tilbrook was the voice of Squeeze, who burst onto the pop scene after the punk explosion of the 70s and 80s. After giving what some listeners described as the best set at this year's Glastonbury Festival, Glenn will bring a full electric band for a feast of nostalgia - there is hardly a song in the Squeeze back catalogue that most of the audience won't know by heart. The consortium aims to bring more concerts to West Somerset in the future and will be donating 50 per cent of the proceeds to supporting ongoing development at the Regal Theatre. "The Regal is one of the great institutions that we have in West Somerset and I have a deep desire to see it restored to its glory days," said David Mortimer. "I want to do whatever I can to make that happen." The other half of the proceeds will subsidise the bringing of even greater names to appear at the Regal in the future. Planning permission was granted last month for the installation of a new lift and entrance to enhance the front of the Regal and provide easy access for all members of the community. All those involved with the theatre are now preparing for the mammoth task of raising the estimated £400,000 needed to complete the project. Events like the 'Rock the Regal' autumn concerts and the MATA summer show Me and My Girl, about to enter its final week of performances, are a vital boost to these efforts. * The West Somerset Free Press is backing the Regal and the 'Rock the Regal' consortium in their efforts to modernise the Regal and will keep readers up to date with progress and the efforts of the public and volunteers in raising the necessary funds. See the advertisement on Page 6 for details of Rock the Regal performance times and special offers for Friends of the Regal on ticket prices.