BLACKBURN'S King George's Hall is set to host its first stand-up concert in three years.

And Mod God Paul Weller has some seriously heavy metal to thank for his date with East Lancashire music lovers on Friday, November 30.

The last stand-up gig was performed by Robbie Williams in May 1998. Then, the King George's Hall was regularly attracting big name stars.

But major gigs were banned there soon after Robbie's gig, when it was revealed 2,000-strong crowds jumped around so much they caused the building to vibrate.

Now, eight huge iron girders have been installed so that stand-up concerts can resume.

The new girders -- or strengthening columns -- will allow the reintroduction of the standing concerts in the main hall.

Steve Burch, from King George's Hall, said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome someone like Paul Weller to the King George's Hall.

"We have several irons in the fire and hope to get some big names coming back.

"Paul's will be the first stand up gig since 1998 and, hopefully, it will have been worth the wait.

Deacon Blue have also announced they will perform on November 25, but their concert is an all-seater affair.

The strengthening work is part of a £700,000 face-lift for the venue featuring a series of improvements, including a revamp of the Windsor Suite, which will include seminar facilities, training rooms, conference equipment and a banqueting capacity for up to 400 people.

Blakey's bar has also been refitted.