A FLINTSHIRE man wants to bring more of the UK's biggest bands to north east Wales after a chart-topping band's local gig.

Last week, The Snuts played a sell-out show at Buckley's Tivoli venue - which had been made possible by local man, Cal Roberts.

In his youth he a was a singer-songwriter, and toured the country - where he met and befriended some amazing musicians.

He now runs a new events company called Rent & Debt Presents - and is using some of his close contacts in the music industry to bring some of the UK's biggest acts to Flintshire.

Cal, from Bagillt, said: "On setting up the company, I reached out to them about playing a show in Flintshire, and they agreed.

"When I asked The Snuts to come and play in Buckley, I wasn't sure how things would pan out - but the place was packed bouncing. It was absolutely unreal.

"This was the proof I needed that there is still a big demand for good live music in the area. So next year we aim to bring some of the UKs other top touring acts to North Wales."

The Leader: The Snuts perform at the Tivoli. The Snuts perform at the Tivoli.

Cal, 32, has big plans for the area's live music scene, and is linking up with the company behind the Fun Ship at the site of the huge Duke of Lancaster ship at Mostyn docks.

He plans to bring a music festival to the site - which he says would include "two big name acts" accompanied by local bands.

Discussions are also ongoing with a couple of big indie acts to bring them to the Tivoli next year, and about bringing bigger bands to Wrexham's Central Station venue.

Getting to where he is now involved a long-standing battle with mental health issues.

"My music career was curtailed by bipolar disorder," Cal said.

"I pretty much lost my mind - I was in a really bad place, which included drug abuse. But I met a girl and finally sought the treatment I needed - which has been life-changing for me in the last three or four years."

As well as bringing major acts to North Wales, Cal also wants to give vital exposure to local bands.

"We want to have one big name act playing in Flintshire per month, supported by a local group. There's so much untapped musical talent in this area."

The Leader: The Tivoli was said to be "bouncing" for The Snuts gig. The Tivoli was said to be "bouncing" for The Snuts gig.