ELIZA AND THE BEAR SET TO ILLUMINATE BEDFORD ESQUIRES

London quintet Eliza and the Bear are in the early days of a 20-date UK tour, which finds them at Bedford Esquires tonight (Sept 26). Since announcing themselves in fine style at the tail end of 2013 with support slots to Twin Atlantic and Paramore, the band has gathered a good brood of bouncy fans who cheerfully attached themselves to their recently released EP Light It Up, which bubbled with melodic charm and sing-along vocals. If you hog the small screen of an evening, you might have found yourselves humming along to the backing track for the Bulmers Cider advert this summer.   It's called Friends, and is also the work of this mob. MPMG E&TB   > From the new breed to the old-school, and a date at Bedford Corn Exchange on Tuesday (September 30) night by space-rockers Hawkwind. You've heard the stories, and know the tales.  We've told you before about their set played outside the perimeter fence at the Isle of Wight Festival in protest at the admission charges, but we like it, so we've just told you again. Among the revellers soaking their style up that day in 1970? A certain guitarist with the surname Hendrix... The UK stalwarts, who famously featured Lemmy in the line-up and on vocals for their only chart hit, Silver Machine are now 27 albums deep into their career. But they still keep the wheels turning, with Dave Brock at the helm. What to expect?  A 'sonic boom of a roller coaster ride,' of course. Special guest is John Etheridge and tickets are on sale at £20. Go get 'em: www.wegottickets.com or call 01234 718112.