They were veterans 21 years ago when they played the opening night at the Salhouse Lodge - and Norwich band Accent, now known as JT and Accent 3, are returning to perform at the 21st anniversary party.

Roger Woodrow, drummer and singer with the band, which he helped form in 1974, cannot remember much from the gig 21 years ago.

But he does remember that the band's set comprised some Dire Straits songs, including Walk of Life, which are sure to be played again at the party on Saturday, November 17.

Mr Woodrow, who lives in Thorpe St Andrew, said: 'I'm the only original member left now. We were formed in Norwich and were all locals.

'I remember that 21 years ago the Salhouse Lodge was the music venue to play at. We had actually played there when another landlord had opened it in the late '70s, early '80s.

'We would have played Dire Straits in 1991 and other songs from the period. We always try to play everything from the '60s to current music.

'We still play a bit of Dire Straits, Crowded House and Coldplay, but we're not playing as much as we used to.

'We're hoping that John Skinner, who was one of the originals in the band with me, who left about four years ago, will join us at the gig and play guitar and banjo. The band now consists of me, Paul Pryde on keyboards, Gary Dungar on bass and Jason Tyrrell on guitar.'

Landlord Andy Bales took on the Salhouse Lodge in Vicarage Road in November 1991, and when he was looking for a band to play at the 21st anniversary, he only had one group in mind.

He said: 'They have always been very good and play old and new stuff, and still keep very up to date. I'm looking forward to it and there will also be a free buffet on the night.

'The anniversary is about letting people know we are here to stay and to squash rumours that we are closing or that the pub will be sold. We are staying and looking forward to the future.'

Mr Bales took on the Salhouse Lodge pub with his parents David and Helen in 1991 and he and his mother still run the pub, after his father's death.

Prior to running the Salhouse Lodge, they ran the Village Inn in little Melton for about 10 years. They also ran the Broads Hotel in Wroxham, which they sold several years ago.

The Evening News has been urging people to return to pubs in our Love your Local campaign.

to see more stories from our campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal

Have you got a special anniversary on the horizon? Email reporter david.bale2@archant.co.uk