Tom Walker: Brit winner to play free gig in 'forgotten' Barnsley

Tom Walker said he believed it was "super important" to perform in lesser-known locations

A Brit-award winning singer has announced a surprise gig in Barnsley after asking fans on social media for suggestions on where to play.

Tom Walker, whose hits include Leave A Light On, will be performing in the South Yorkshire town on Saturday.

He will be at the Glass Works at 11:00 and 13:00 GMT on Saturday and told the BBC he was "buzzing" about it.

He added: "It's a shame when musicians don't pass through places that are often forgotten."

Walker posed the question on Instagram earlier this week, encouraging people to suggest places that are typically overlooked on tours.

He said: "I've not been to Barnsley before [but] my wife is from Huddersfield so I love Yorkshire.

"People up north are very lovely, I'm excited to see what Barnsley is all about.

"Anytime we try to do anything in London it's a nightmare - Barnsley Council have been so lovely."

Walker, 32, did a similar gig in Tamworth, Staffordshire, a few weeks ago and it was a huge success, he said.

The Burn singer went on to say that it was "super important" places like Barnsley are not overlooked.

He added: "Especially for the next generation of musicians and singers, if you don't have local musicians coming through and places to go and see gigs, it's a shame."

It is expected Walker will perform his new single Head Underwater from his forthcoming album I Am.

He won the Brit award for Best Breakthrough Act in 2019.

A Glass Works spokesperson said: "To have a Brit award-winning artist, and one of the brightest rising talents in the country, playing in The Glass Works Square is incredible for Barnsley and shows how far the town has come through the regeneration of the town centre."