Thousands mourned its loss just nine months ago, but now – woohoo – the Charlotte is back. The Screening played the last gig before it shut its doors in January, so it's only fitting that the West End band should take to the stage again for the resurrection. Tonight's gig, with support from Razmataz, Autohype and The Boobytraps, is the first in an opening weekend three-day extravaganza of Leicester talent, squeezing The Moderators in tomorrow, before Jersey Budd rounds things off with The Heroes on Saturday. Phew.

So, first of all, The Screening, who have this year been working with hip LA producer Mark Needham (The Killers, We Are Scientists, Fleetwood Mac) and have changed their sound over the past few months.

"A lot of labels say they love our songs but we need a dancey element," says lead singer Tom Nurse.

"So this is a bit of a relaunch for us. Think Calvin Harris, but with good singing. It's still rock'n'roll but with massive synths going on. We've put a few on MySpace so people can hear them and we've had really positive feedback."

The Charlotte gig will be the band's first chance to present their new sound to home-grown fans.

"We were dead close to the Charlotte. We used to rehearse there and hang out almost every day of the week," says Tom. "If it weren't for the Charlotte… well, we played to hundreds of people there. We're really looking forward to helping it relaunch. It's a really good thing for Leicester."

The new managing group – headed by Tim Sturgess – is leasing the venue from its new owners for the next six months, but they're hoping to keep it for longer.

So let's show the old girl some love to help keep the Charlotte name alive this time.

Jersey, who has just finished his latest UK tour, is drumming up support. "None of us can wait," he said. "It's going to be a proper party weekend, a massive celebration.

"It's great to be asked to do it and all the boys are looking forward to it. I'm sure there'll be a big crowd.

"I really wasn't expecting it to be open again so soon. It's fantastic that it is.

"Hopefully it'll stay open longer than the six months – get the crowds in and get lots of publicity to keep it going.

"I can't wait to play there again."

The Moderators say tickets are selling fast for the Friday gig.

"We haven't played there for ages so we're really looking forward to it," says singer Jim Stanley. "When it closed down the musos in Leicester were quite gutted about it. Hopefully it will stay up and running."

Info

The Charlotte plays host to The Screening tonight, The Moderators tomorrow and Jersey Budd on Saturday. For more information, visit the Charlotte Leicester Facebook group:

www.facebook.com