DUNFERMLINE artists need YOUR support now more than ever and a town-centre venue is encouraging crowds to help put some extra cash in performers' pockets.

Between now and October, VAT has been reduced to five per cent on event tickets, meaning now is the best time to buy them for upcoming gigs.

PJ Molloys has already announced four months of packed line-ups from September with more dates set to be revealed, and the Canmore Street venue is urging anyone who wants to be standing front and centre when their favourite bands make their return to the stage should do so now to support them.

Jonny Watt, promoter, the Press in an exclusive interview: "Local and touring artists have had next to no income from live shows for the last 18 months.

"The decision not to allow music playing inside bars and when venues and pubs were allowed to open up in a limited sense also meant that artist royalties took a hit.

"Coming from an artist's point of view; getting back to creating music videos, recording, rehearsal or financing a future tour from a standing start can be very difficult without well-attended shows at your local independent music venue giving that initial boost.

"The events industry was one of the first to get shut down and one of the last to return.

"The creative industry pre-pandemic was one of the fastest-growing sectors in Scotland, with its contribution to the economy having grown 62 per cent between 2008 and 2017.

"Its value to the national economy means that it's in all our interests to make sure we can revive live shows – not to mention the positive impact events have on our personal wellbeing.

"In an industry of small margins, every little bit of support helps. That's why we're urging people to buy their tickets early for shows; this way we can pass on the 15 per cent VAT savings directly to the artists who perform and guarantee strong and welcoming crowds."

It's not just local artists who will benefit from the VAT reduction as a host of touring names will bring new and upcoming talent with them, demonstrating the domino effect the boost will have on the future of music in Scotland and beyond.

Jonny explained: "We need to remember that it's not just the headline artists who benefit from events returning – local and touring headliners showcase new and upcoming artists of the next generation.

"This cultivates a positive culture of future creatives who feel they have real opportunities to progress.

"Dunfermline has long had a burgeoning scene of brilliant musicians, artists, playwrights, comedians and film-makers that have made our town a much more colourful place to live. Sometimes it's easy to forget just how incredible the talent pool we have not just in Dunfermline but the whole of Scotland – this means it's more important than ever to show our support to make sure our arts scene flourishes once again."

PJs hasn't had the opportunity to host indoor gigs to a full capacity since last March but that could change from August 9 should all current coronavirus restrictions lift in Scotland.

"It feels like there is finally light at the end of a very long tunnel," Jonny added.

"It's amazing to have some sense of normality to be able to look forward to live shows again.

"Not only do we have a programme of excellent local acts but touring musicians including KT Tunstall, Baby Strange, Spear of Destiny and Lucy Spraggan will also be coming to Dunfermline.

"We want to make sure that people feel as safe as possible returning to gigs; the staff at PJs have really been brilliant over the past few months at adopting all of the extra measures to ensure we can welcome as many people back as soon as possible."

A full list of dates is available on PJ Molloys' Facebook page with all tickets available via Ticketweb but some key dates include:

l Spear of Destiny, September 9.

l The Moon Kids, September 17.

l Baby Strange, September 23.

l Fools Gold, October 1/2.

l KT Tunstall, October 21.

l Lucy Spraggan, October 28.

l DOVV, October 30.

l Foreignfox, November 20.

l The Lathums, December 3.

l Moonlight Zoo, December 11.

l Big Country/The Skids, December 18 @ Glen Pavilion.