2005 proved to be an eventful year for local music, and as it drew to a close, we took the opportunity to ask Roger King, editor of the Live Circuit local music newsletter, what we should be watching out for in 2006. Well, it would be an impossible job

2005 proved to be an eventful year for local music, and as it drew to a close, we took the opportunity to ask Roger King, editor of the Live Circuit local music newsletter, what we should be watching out for in 2006.

"Well, it would be an impossible job to highlight everything that's going to be worth seeing," Roger explained.

"There are more than 150 North Herts artists and bands, many of whom are musically very accomplished, and there are a dozen music venues in Hitchin alone, leading it to being dubbed 'the Camden of the shires'.

"Club 85 features live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and it has developed a reputation for being one of the best equipped and friendliest music venues in the region. And Hitchin Folk Club received the BBC Folk Club of the Year accolade, as voted for by performers. Then there's the Rhythms Of The World festival, an undoubted musical highlight, which attracted up to 30,000 people, last year.

"Meanwhile, several local bands have been gaining recognition, nationally. Glam/goth rockers The Pleasure (formerly Shard) were selected by X-fm to play the Hyde Park festival, recorded a single with The Cure's producer Dave Allen, and now regularly headline London venues. They're going to be coming back strong, this year, with a new name and new songs.

"Experimental indie rockers My Pet Junkie have also played some high profile support slots at some of London's larger venues, and Pirton indie rockers Fruition have landed a management deal and, with a cracking new single to promote, will be looking to gig far and wide throughout 2006. Also, this promises to be the year that long time 'tips for the top' Insomnia return from a songwriting sabbatical with a new album. The feedback I've had from people who have heard some of the songs suggest it will be very impressive, indeed!"

* To find out more about any of the above, visit www.livecircuit.net, where you can subscribe to Live Circuit's weekly electronic newsletter and Gig Guide.