A Suffolk-based indie band supporting The Libertines live in Ipswich next month is offering music fans the chance to win a private gig in the comfort of their own home.

Ipswich Star: The band are excited to share a stage with The Libertines in September Picture: CHRIS DRIVER PHOTOGRAPHYThe band are excited to share a stage with The Libertines in September Picture: CHRIS DRIVER PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: CHRIS DRIVER PHOTOGRAPHY)

RATS, who have previously supported the likes of the Happy Mondays and Space, will treat three lucky winners to a free ‘sitting room gig’ – with no risk of crowds, queues or showers to distract from the music.

The winners will also receive free tickets to the Mansion on the Moon Festival, taking place at Trinity Park in September – where RATS will be supporting indie giants The Libertines.

RATS, who recently released their debut single with Suffolk-based record label AIKONA, originally hail from Liverpool but relocated to Suffolk after coming to the county to record.

The band, formed of friends Joseph Maddocks, 21, Michael Duncalf, 19, and Harry Maitland, 18 – with a new member soon to be announced – describe their music as “a scruffy blast of direct and anthemic indie that’s as infectious as it is heartfelt”.

They said they were excited to play some intimate gigs after a series of larger-scale performances.

“For us it is the best way to connect with the audience,” they said.

The boys, who were all handpicked by manager Harry Griffiths from existing bands on the Liverpool music scene, said they were all “really, really excited” to share a stage with the Libertines, who they view as a huge inspiration.

“It will be one of the biggest gigs we have played in our lives,” they said.

Ipswich Star: Caswell is also performing Picture: AIKONA RECORDS LTDCaswell is also performing Picture: AIKONA RECORDS LTD (Image: AIKONA RECORDS LTD)

The band have gained a lot of traction in the past year, with the music video for their debut single ‘Weekend’ gaining 60,000 views organically in just one week.

“People are just starting to spread the word around,” said Mr Griffiths. “The band have almost become a bit of a myth.”

Inspired by a combination of The Stone Roses, Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Maccabees and Oasis, RATS said they were keen to headline their own shows one day – once they have perfected their unique style.

For a chance to host RATS in your sitting room, go to https://www.facebook.com/MansionOnTheMoonFestival/ and enter your name for the ‘RATS in your front room’ competition. Three winners will be chosen at random.

Ipswich Star: The Libertines are headlining the Mansion on the Moon festival Picture: ROGER SARGENTThe Libertines are headlining the Mansion on the Moon festival Picture: ROGER SARGENT (Image: Roger Sargent)

More information about the band can be found on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/officialrats/

Ipswich Star: SuperGlu join the Mansion on the Moon line up Picture: AIKONA RECORDS LTDSuperGlu join the Mansion on the Moon line up Picture: AIKONA RECORDS LTD (Image: AIKONA RECORDS LTD)