CARLISLE pub The Sportsman Inn has been hand picked by Paul Heaton to help celebrate his 60th birthday.

The former lead singer of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South reached the milestone age today (Monday, May 9). 

He had originally planned to do a tour of the UK, but announced on social media that it has been postponed due to "recording delays". 

Instead, singer-songwriter Heaton has now said he will be putting money behind the bars of 60 pubs across the UK, including the Heads Lane establishment, to celebrate his landmark birthday.

 

 

In a post on his personal Twitter page, Paul wrote: "To celebrate my 60th birthday I'd originally intended to do another bicycle tour, visiting and performing at 60 pubs across the UK and Ireland. 

"However, due to recording delays caused by the pandemic, I've had to shelve these plans for the time being.

"Instead, I've decided that the next best way to celebrate this coming of age is to handpick 60 pubs across the UK and Ireland and put a given amount of money behind of each one.

"Then, both regulars and yourselves can enjoy a birthday drink on me (until the money runs out, or the bar runs dry!).

"The hope is to bring people together on the day, whilst recognising that many folk who bought my records or showed me support of the years, could do with a wee party, as we come out of Covid and hit potential financial struggles."

Amanda Picken, landlady at The Sportsman Inn, enjoyed a steady stream of custom during the day, with a number of fans of Heaton's music attending, and expected to welcome more guests as the day progressed.

When asked how the arrangement came around, she said: "They got in contact with me and asked if it was alright that they can put our pub forward for the event.

"I believe Paul Heaton has played in the city before and has visited the pub so wanted to include us.

"I've never met him but it was lovely that he wanted to include a Carlisle pub in his celebrations."

READ MORE: Carlisle pub bosses gear up for CAMRA assisted beer festival