THE UK’s quintessential tribute show to Dire Straits DS:UK are making a stop-off at the Melksham Assembly Hall on Saturday, October 12 mid way through their UK tour.

DS:UK played to a packed house at the Assembly Hall in 2018, and the theatre were quick to re-book them for the band’s Alchemy UK Tour for 2019.

The iconic 'Alchemy' album was Dire Straits’ first live album, recorded in 1983 at Hammersmith Odeon during the final nights of the band’s world tour, promoting their recent album Love Over Gold.

The band’s leader, manager and lead guitarist Dave Phillips said: “Alchemy is a beloved album by Dire Straits fan and this tour is our opportunity to perform many classic favourites that aren’t often heard on stage."

DS:UK courted controversy at the beginning of the year after they were contacted by the real Dire Straits regarding their original name.

DS:UK began life as Dire Straits:UK and enjoyed a very quick rise to touring the UK theatres after being set up in 2016.

Following their first Alchemy show of the year at Hazlit Theatre in Maidstone, the band were contacted by Dire Straits Ltd, and asked to change their name to something that didn’t include the words “Dire Straits”.

Mr Phillips added: "We didn’t think we’d have any trouble from the real Dire Straits over our use of the name, but evidently we did.

"It’s possibly that Mark Knopfler’s team were clearing the Google space in preparation for selling his UK tour - not that he’d need any help!”

The name change hasn't dented the interest in DS:UK’s shows and they’re enjoying a successful tour across the country.

You can buy tickets for October 12, 7.30pm. at www.direstraitstribute.co.uk.