An unsigned Norwich band will be playing at Wembley Arena after they were picked by Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro to join them on tour.

The four-piece Holy State will open eight shows for the Mercury Music Prize nominees and main support band The Futureheads.

The group, all of whom are from Norwich, will be performing at some of the biggest gig venues in the UK, including the 12,500 capacity Wembley Arena.

Drummer Maximillian Applin, 24, said: 'We were pretty ecstatic when we found out about the offer from Biffy Clyro.

'It's a bit mental because we will be going from playing smaller gigs of not more than three or four hundred people to arenas. It's going to be quite a big jump.

'Biffy Clyro have got a good reputation for helping out smaller bands and they have been on tour with a couple of our friends' bands, so that's how they picked up on us.

'It's a massive opportunity as playing Wembley Arena is a huge deal for us and it will be great experience in terms of mentally preparing for it too. Hopefully, we will pick up a few more fans.'

The band, which comprises Max as well as Victor Janhagen, 23, Rob Jarvis, 24, and Mark Smalls, 32, first formed in Leeds in November 2008, where Rob and Victor had moved to study.

Holy State, who describe their punk-rock sound as 'loud and warm', are as yet to sign a long-term record deal, but have brought out singles with labels Dance to the Radio and Holy Roar Records.

The Biffy Clyro tour comes hot on the heels of another coup for the band, as they will be touring in Europe with alternative rock duo Blood Red Shoes from November 7 to 20. After a few days' rest they will then embark on the tour with Biffy Clyro from November 25 to December 4.

The quartet have pre-released their latest double A-single Medicine Hat and Sultan of Sentiment and the record will be officially released on the Dance to the Radio label on November 22.

Do you have a story about a band? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.