The Kooks are off to the V2005 festival but they haven't forgotten where they come from and are playing a free gig for fans the day before.

They can be seen on the Volvic stage at the festival in Chelmsford on Saturday and Staffordshire on Sunday - but on Friday you've got the chance to see them in a much smaller venue.

There are no tickets for the gig, but for a chance to get a place on the guest-list log onto the group's website at www.thekooks.co.uk.

A limited number of tickets will be available on the door on a first come, first served basis.

The Brighton-based band have had a fine summer, with sell-out gigs behind them and the release of their debut single, Eddie's Gun, which went into the top 40.

Their songs, which are crammed with tales of buses, bedroom mishaps and teenage putdowns, are gaining them a loyal following. With frontman Luke given to statements such as: "When there's so much music to explore, why limit yourself? We want to challenge what's expected of us," seeing them live should be an exhilarating experience.

Starts 7.30pm, free