Errol Linton was discovered by BBC producer John Walters in 1991 when he heard Errol playing his harmonica in Oxford Street Tube Station. This meeting lead to a radio session on the BBC Radio 1 Andy Kershaw Show and, in 1993, Errol featured in Walters’ BBC TV series in a programme titled Rhythms of the Worlds: Two generations of the Blues.

Thanks to the release of his third album Mama Said, Errol Linton has finally made the breakthrough that he deserves. Ten years in the making and 100% financed through busking on London’s Underground, this album demonstrates the inimitable Errol Linton style to the full.

Errol is three times winner of the Best British Blues Harmonica Player Award. Now leader of a cracking live band – which includes the amazing Serbian pianist Pete Zivkovic  – and occasionally  joined by New Orleans trumpet player Abram Wilson who he met in the Underground! – Errol Linton is more confident than ever in a future over ground.

Tickets are £12, £10 concessions. For more information please contact the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go on line www.themet.biz.

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Edwina is a singer/songwriter who has been a regular performer on both sides of the Atlantic for the last few years. Her cover of Randy Newman’s Feels Like Home, was featured in the movie My Sister’s Keeper starring Cameron Diaz & Alec Baldwin. The song subsequently went to number two in the I Tunes Folk Chart.

Edwina’s performances are full of warmth and immediacy, with her beautiful, heartfelt singing, offset with wonderful stories about working in a crouton factory or shopping in Tesco’s. Edwina has a special ability to communicate the message of a song, whether it’s on one of her own melonconic compositions or to bring a new understanding to a more familiar cover version.

Edwina released her third album last year, Good Things Happen Over Coffee to great acclaim.

“Haunting honeyed solo songwriter” The Guardian

This event is now sold out. For more information please contact the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go on line www.themet.biz.

A young girl, a hungry wolf, and a walk through the woods – it sounds like a recipe for disaster, but Red Riding Hood’s not scared… well maybe she’s a little bit scared.

Horse + Bamboo present a gorgeously rendered re-telling of the classic girl-and-the-wolf tale. Exquisite visuals blend with pantomime-style silliness and spooky moments to create an enchanting piece of theatre for ages 4 and up. Tickets are £6.

“… A theatrical spell, which is quite unique… And accessible to everyone.”

The Guardian

Based on the classic children’s book by Jill Tomlinson, The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark is a funny, gentle and reassuring tale is written especially for small people aged 3 – 7 (and grown-up’s who sleep with the big light on!)

Plop was a baby Barn Owl. He lived at the top of a tall tree, in a field. He was fat and fluffy. He had big round eyes. He had very knackety knees. Plop was exactly the same as every barn owl that has ever been except for one thing. He was afraid of the dark.

“I don’t like it” said Plop. “I do not like it AT ALL!”

One day, Mrs Barn Owl suggested that Plop fly down into the world and find out about the dark for himself. So, Plop climbed out of his nest-hole, peeped over the edge, wobbled a bit, and fell off his branch. And so, began Plop’s adventure…

Join Plop, the baby barn owl as he journeys into the night-time world of campfires, fireworks, starry nights and moonlit adventures. Come join us, – it’s going to be a hoot! Tickets are £8.

“Totally captivating.” The Primary Times

To book or for more information please contact the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go on line www.themet.biz.

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Following spectacular performances on BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, here’s a rare chance to see two top-billing circuit stars sharing the same bill in a double-headline show.

Between them, they have accumulated decades of experience on the live comedy circuit; they have written and performed five acclaimed shows for the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and performed across the globe, wowing audiences as far and wide as Montreal, Melbourne, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and The Falklands (and most places in between).  Simply put, it’s a guarantee of first-class laughs, served up by two of the best in the business.

“One of the best leading stand-ups in Britain” (Mike Gunn) Independent on Sunday

“Compelling…absorbing…darkly funny” (Mike Gunn) Scotsman

“First class.” (Sean Collins) Chortle

Cable channel Comedy Central is screening Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow on Monday 30th January at 10pm (Mike Gunn) and Sean Collins on 6th February at 10pm.

Tickets are £12, £10 concessions. To book or for more information please contact the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go on line www.themet.biz.

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19-year-old Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni packs an almighty punch with her earthy folk melodies and dextrous fingerpicking. She’s a straight-up storyteller with a voice to blow all others clean out of the water…

Rachel has completed her debut self-released Black Currents EP, out on 6 February. Produced by Communion marvel Ian Grimble, it showcases her unique talent through four beautiful tracks which at once conjure a kaleidoscopic reverie of sights and sounds.

Rachel’s razor-sharp wit and natural affinity with any audience somehow belie her young age and have led to support slots with the likes of Elvis Costello, Ron Sexsmith and Michael Kiwanuka. Last year she toured extensively with Mumford and Sons.

“She is open and friendly…when she takes to the stage. We predict big things for this one.” For Folks Sake

Tickets are £7, £5 concessions. To book or for more information please contact the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go on line www.themet.biz.

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The Martin Simpson Trio is a coming together of three of the finest musicians and singers in the UK today. Martin himself is recognised as one of the best acoustic guitar players in the world, with a unique mixture of British and American music in his repertoire. He has twice won a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Musician of the Year and Album of the Year, and also for Best Original Track in 2008. This year he has been nominated for Best Album Purpose and Grace, Musician of the Year and Best Traditional Track Lakes of Ponchartrain.

Andy Cutting on melodeon is renowned for his work with June Tabor, Chris Wood, Kate Rusby, John McCusker and many others. He is a hugely respected, very popular recipient of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award’s Musician of the Year in 2008 and 2011.

Andy Seward plays double bass with Kate Rusby’s Band amongst many others. He is a much in demand producer of acoustic music from Kate Rusby to Phil Selway of Radiohead, and won a Sony Award in 2007 for his work on The Radio Ballads for BBC Radio 2.

This trio is an unstoppable combination of talent, which has taken Martin’s music to a new level; a thrilling band to see and enjoy.

‘Simpson’s latest is a potent blend of the highest calibre…Simpson has never sung or played better’ Acoustic Magazine

Tickets are £16, £14 concessions. To book or for more information please contact the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go on line www.themet.biz.

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The show explores the extraordinary true story of her French grandmother’s romance with a tongue-tied English teacher from Staffordshire.

Paris 1945. Christiane waits for a ticket to England that will reunite her with her fiancé. While she waits, this irrepressible Mademoiselle recounts the love story between her – an eccentric, acutely myopic Parisian – and a tongue-tied English teacher from Staffordshire. From a chance encounter at Cheadle tennis club, their story takes us on to cosmopolitan 1930s Paris before their inevitable separation by war. A separation, which she hopes today, will finally come to an end.

A tender, comical and ultimately poignant portrayal of one woman’s experience of love and war.

“… gathers in both charm and emotional engagement until even a hardened hack may be on the brink of tears. Winsome in all the best ways, this Horton may not be hearing a “Who?” for very long.” ***** The Financial Times

***** Whatsonstage.com  **** Metro **** Evening Standard

Tickets for the band are £8, £6 concession. To book or for more information please contact the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go on line www.themet.biz.

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Leaders of a new generation of Quebec traditional music groups, the three members of Genticorum bring an irrepressible joie de vivre to the hallmarks of the Quebec repertoire: non-stop dance rhythms, hearty call-and-response singing, traditional-style foot percussion, and intense and impassioned playing that leaves audiences in a frenzy. The band also performs original compositions so true to tradition that it’s difficult to tell the difference between the old and the new.

The huge sound emanating from this trio features intricate fiddle and flute melodies, backed by guitar, electric bass and rich resonant vocals that blend in stirring three-part harmonies. A humorous stage show that ties the music and the audience together.

In the decade since their debut, Genticorum has been nominated for both Juno and Felix Awards, earned two Canadian Folk Music Awards, showcased at WOMEX and played the biggest music festivals in more than 18 countries.

Genticorum’s profile has continued to grow ever since the 2008 release of their third album, La Bibournoise. Genticorum’s latest release, Nagez Rameurs, is a thematic album about voyages; it has been called a fantastic voyage of rising hemlines, singing oarsmen, and happy trappers and has amassed great acclaim.

Tickets for the band are £12, £10 concession. To book or for more information please contact the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go on line www.themet.biz.

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Described as the funniest and most serious man on the folk scene, Vin has been performing for over forty years. Winner of countless Folk Awards and nominations, Vin’s shows are powerful, hugely moving, warm, humane, inspired, funny and gut wrenchingly honest.

This international, award winning, singer songwriter has toured his particular blend of humour and poignant song throughout the world. His song writing is witty and powerful and he is not afraid to tackle thought provoking issues. This combined with his inimitable song links, accomplished guitar playing and truly amazing whistle playing make for a well rounded evening of entertainment.

Vin has been working non-stop since 1969, touring all over the world as well as playing in virtually every part of this ‘sceptred isle’. Despite the years of performing, the songs always remain fresh and vibrant, and the repertoire is always changing.  Vin is also genuinely funny, and his quirky observations of life are very much part of the act, delighting audiences everywhere.

Tickets are £14, £12 concessions. To book or for more information please contact the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go on line www.themet.biz.

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CASH are the youngest and most vibrant Johnny Cash tribute band on the circuit. They bring bags of energy and enthusiasm to every show and create a great atmosphere wherever they play.

As is so often the case with unique artists, it takes another one to fully appreciate them. Having lived the life and music of Johnny Cash and other country heroes who came before and since, Ben, aka CASH, has effortlessly recreated the sound, vibe and appeal of the master himself.

The band play all the classics including I Walk the line, Ring of Fire, Cry Cry Cry, Get Rhythm and Folsom Prison Blues.

There’s two types of people in this world: Those who like Johnny Cash and those that don’t know a damn thing about music. CASH are dedicated to making sure as many people as possible get into the know…

Tickets for this event are £10. This event is standing. To buy tickets or for more information please call the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go online at www.themet.biz

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An eccentric couple travel their strange monochrome world in a quirky land-boat, until their lives are turned upside down by a new arrival — the adorable and colourful Lulu. As she makes her presence felt in a variety of changing forms, the couple, along with the audience, explores love, play, adventure and, eventually, learns how to say goodbye.

Entertaining, hilarious and poignant, the show features exquisite puppetry, live music and songs.

West Yorkshire’s Thingumajig Theatre is fast becoming one of the UK’s most respected puppet theatre companies. Its distinctive visual style is acclaimed by audiences both in this country and abroad. Hullaba Lulu is the company’s long awaited full-length show for the whole family. And it’s sure to captivate every audience with its engaging characters and spell-binding story.

The running time for the show is 50 minutes and it is suitable for all ages 5 and up.

Tickets for this event are £6, £4 members. To buy tickets or for more information please call the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go online at www.themet.biz

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Richard Durrant’s life story is an inspirational tale of how a young boy on the number 26 bus to his first guitar lesson ended up performing in Paraguay as an honoured guest.

With his warm and easy rapport with audiences, Richard shares stories from his own journey as well as describing the inspiration he found in the music of Paraguayan composer Agustín Barrios Mangoré that led him to perform at the country’s bicentenary celebrations in  2011.

Performing music by Mangoré alongside Django Reinhardt, Claude Debussy and Manuel de Falla and featuring beautiful visuals, animation and film  projected behind Richard as he plays – this event is light years beyond what you might expect of a classical guitar recital.

“One of the world’s most accomplished and experimental players.” Guitarist Magazine 2011

“Durrant never lets his stunning technique overshadow this wonderful, timeless music.” The Sun Newspaper

Tickets for this event are £12, £10 concession. To buy tickets or for more information please call the ticket office on 0161 761 2216 or go online at www.themet.biz

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The marvellously mutant musical organism known as Babelfish was first spawned well over a decade ago, at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival.

Having several times whipped a floor full of dancers to a frenzy with these impromptu small-hours performances, the band have now released their debut album, International Disgrace.

Steadily attaining semi-mythical status, Babelfish have performed at countless festivals including Celtic Connections, en route enlisting the like-minded talents of spoken-word poet/rapper/ranter Jock Urquhart, and flautist Bo Jingham, who features on two of the album’s tracks. Between them, they forged a collective methodology more or less unique on the contemporary folk scene from which they’ve emerged. “Everything you can’t do in any of your other bands, is completely encouraged in this one,” Sutherland observes contentedly.

“Babelfish blew the competition away. No computer enhanced wizardry, no technological trickery – I couldn’t believe all this glorious music was coming from just five guys.” FolkandRoots

A mash of every genre imaginable, the band will present a unique evening presenting the works of Scotland’s national poet in a creative and contemporary way , alongside the band’s own compositions.

Tickets for the event are £12, £10 concessions. To book call the ticket office on 0161 7612216 or go on line at www.themet.biz

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Press contact:                       Victoria Robinson @ The Met 0161 761 7107

                                     victoria.robinson@themet.biz

Continued funding from Arts Council England North West and Bury Council has enabled The Met to increase the quality and variety of its programme of events while specialising in supporting a range of artists and consolidating financial stability.

2010/11 is the sixth consecutive year The Met has generated a small financial surplus to achieve a positive balance sheet position. The Met continues to increase its profile locally, regionally and nationally.

Highlights of the year included a strong partnership with Proper Job Theatre Company who produced the sell out 2010 Christmas show, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Improvements have been made to the building which has new signage, a new studio space and a new recording studio. A lighting upgrade was also completed ensuring The Met can deliver the very best quality events in the future. The year also produced successful events externally, including events at Bury Parish Church, community led Big Sing project at The Rock and Urban Moves Dance Festival in partnership with Bury Council and DIGM.

2010/2011 saw a reduction in the level of funding available from Bury Council and Manchester Airport and to ensure a high level of service, BMAA has worked to restore income from other areas including donations, increased ticket revenue and project grants.

John Costello, chair of the BMAA board comments, “The Met has done extremely well over the past few years thanks to an intensive process of cost control and dramatic improvements in the artistic programme. Financial stability is key to the organisation as it allows us to continue to develop and take the risks necessary to ensure The Met remains an exciting venue for our audiences and partners.

“A reduction in funding means that the current year will not see the progression and development continue at such a high level. Our current position is extremely healthy and everyone is working as hard as possible to maintain a first class service for Bury and the arts.”

Thanks was given by the trustees to those who have assisted the organisation to move forward in a positive manner particularly to David Agnew and BMAA staff, Bury Council, Arts Council England, Manchester Airport, corporate partners and to the venue’s regular patrons and supporters.

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Made up of some of Manchester’s finest musicians, Manc Floyd have previously sold out shows two years in a row at The Met due to their spectacular musicianship and stunning light show.

This three-hour spectacular show on Saturday incorporates the whole range of Floyd material from early Syd Barrett, Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and Animals through to the big sounds of Momentary Lapse of Reason and The Division Bell.

The band return on Sunday evening will be a special show dedicated to The Dark Side of the Moon, with proceeds from the event being donated to Ramsbottom Festival 2012.

With spectacular light show and stunning projections, this show is not to be missed by any Pink Floyd fan.

Tickets for the season are on sale now priced at £10 advance. Please note Saturday is a standing event, Sunday is seated. To book call the ticket office on 0161 7612216 or go on line at www.themet.biz

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Folk highlights include the Martin Simpson Trio (2 Feb), Vin Garbutt (3 Feb), Karen Matheson (2 March), The Speech Project (16 March), Karine Polwart (5 April) and Po Girl (12 April).

The Big Whistle Festival returns to a new date this year, taking place on the 17 and 18 February and features a fantastic line up including Kan, Breabach, Tim Edey and Brendan Power, the Ross Ainslie Duo and Scottish super group The Treacherous Orchestra.

Family shows include a new show from Thingumajig Theatre – Hulluba Lulu (28 Jan), Snail Tails return with A Bird in your Ear (4 Feb), Horse + Bamboo bring an alternative version of Red Riding Hood (14 Feb), Blunderbus tell a cute tale of the Owl that was Afraid of the Dark (16 Feb), French clowning company Le Voyageur Debout bring a touching tale of friendship in Just Good Friends (11 April) and the Tall Stories return with a version of the much loved Julia Donaldson book, The Snail and the Wale (21 April).

Drama highlights feature You’re not Like Other Girls Chrissy (1 Feb), a look at love divided by war, the hilarious take on the Greek Olympics in The Games from Spike Theatre (21 Feb), and have Laurel and Hardy been reincarnated in Way Out West, from the Future is Unwritten Theatre Company (29 Feb)?

As well as our regular First Thursday Comedy, a monthly sell out, we also welcome Mike Gunn and Sean Collins (9 Feb), Patrick Monahan (27 March), and learn the confessions of an RE teacher in Not Appropriate with Kevin Precious on 29 March.

Jazz features our very first workshop and performance weekender, the Jazz Weekender on 6-8 April and (Jacqui Dankworth (24 Feb). Finally we also welcome performances from Beverly Craven (8 March), Ramsbottom Festival favourite, Kirsty Almeida (15 March) and James Grant (21 April) as well as many more.

Please go to www.themet.biz for the full line up. Tickets for the season are on sale now. To book call the ticket office on 0161 7612216 or go on line at www.themet.biz

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The Acoustic Tour 2011 will simply be Glenn on his own, the second half will see him joined by 2 more musicians, Simon Hanson (who drums with both Squeeze and The Fluffers) and also Chris McNally. As well as performing songs from his back catalogue Glenn will be showcasing new solo material and music from The Co-Operative’s new album, (Glenn’s collaboration with Nine Below Zero), released in October this year.

A new unique and exciting aspect of Glenn’s 2011 tour is that every show is set to be recorded live and then made available at the end of the night from the merchandise stand.

Glenn Tilbrook is one of the UK’s best-loved musicians, thanks to a career with Squeeze and on his own that has spanned 30 years, spawning Top-Ten hits all around the world such as Cool For Cats, Tempted and Up The Junction.

With his two solo albums, The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook and Transatlantic Ping-Pong, he proved he’s lost none of the joie-de-vivre that became Squeeze’s trademark. For 2009’s album Pandemonium Ensues, he injected some fresh faces by recruiting new band The Fluffers and some prestigious guests in the shape of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis.

Tickets are £17.50 advance with only a few tickets remaining. To book call the ticket office on 0161 7612216 or go on line at www.themet.biz

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This celebration of traditional music brings together talented folk artists and enthusiastic beginners of any age to learn, listen and dance the night away with a mixture of workshops and live music. Whether you’re a folkie, whistler or just a lover of fine music, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and create your own folk music through one of the most accessible instruments.

Kan kick off the festival in style. Front men with Flook and Lau, Brian Finnegan and Aidan O’Rourke, join forces with Ian Stephenson on guitar and Jim Goodwin on Drums to create an enthralling and beautiful new sound.

Saturday starts with a number of workshops followed by a gig from Scottish firebrands and Met regulars, Breabach at 1.30pm. The band’s innovative Celtic style shows a flare, excitement and diversity rarely seen from such a young group. Saturday evening starts with Salsa Celtica’s renowned piper, Ross Ainslie at 7pm. The Festival will close with Treacherous Orchestra, a turbo charged super group comprising some of Scotland’s finest young instrumentalists at 9pm.

The Big Whistle Festival isn’t just about watching great musicians, get involved with workshops from all the featured musicians and for any level from beginner to advanced to professional! There will also be interview sessions and music sessions with everyone invited to join in. Throughout the weekend there will be whistle makers and sellers on hand to inform and arm you with all the instruments you might need, as well as giving some expert advice.

Individual ticket prices vary. Festival tickets are £45. More information is available from themet.biz/bigwhistle Guarantee your place now by calling the ticket office on 0161 761 2216, or by visiting The Met’s website www.themet.biz

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The Travelling Band’s shimmering blend of cosmic-country-pop, understated psychedelia, vocal harmonies and nu-folk has made them one of the most talked about artists to emerge from the Manchester music scene.

“If you consider the term Mancunian Americana to be an oxymoron try listening to The Travelling Band. Brilliant.” Marc Riley BBC 6 Music.

A recording project in New York City in 2006 led a collective of like minded souls to record what was to become Under The Pavement, their debut studio album. Released two years later, the record was very well received by the UK media, gaining BBC Radio 6 Album of The Day, BBC Radio 2’s Single of The Week and a featured song in the Ian Dury biopic Sex Drugs & Rock n Roll.

“The sounds they generate took me back to my musical roots… Marvellous music to savour and enjoy” – Michael Eavis, Glastonbury Festival

Their 10 track second album demonstrates a giant leap forward for the band. Released earlier this year, Screaming Is Something, isn’t quite soul music, isn’t quite folk, isn’t quite pop, country or rock, has been well received by the media.
“Sparkling harmonies and bright chirpy guitars pepper this album full of bright-eyed optimism” - Jerome Blakeney, BBC 6Music

Tickets are £8 standing or £10 seated. To book call the ticket office on 0161 7612216 or go on line at www.themet.biz

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Celebrating the history of the English carol, famous acapella folk singers Coope, Boyes and Simpson bring a unique show celebrating the festival season.

From medieval story songs to gentle lullabies for the nativity to full throated wassails encouraging the sharing of food and drink and soaring, richly harmonised seasonal hymns, the spirit of Christmas has long been celebrated with songs in England. And behind each part of this fascinating history are little known stories of eighteenth century blacksmiths and show makers who wrote oratorios and carols which are still sung today, the famous English carol that was banished to the chamber of horrors by an even more famous English composer and why one Christmas favourite is sung to over one hundred different tunes – though most people only know one.

Full of unexpected, compelling and at times highly amusing historical detail, Sing All Earth combines the incomparable acapella voices and wonderful harmonies of Coope Boyes and Simpson, Fi Fraser, Jo Freya and Georgina Boyes with new insights into the sound of the season.

“The powerful, utterly distinctive harmonies of Coope Boyes and Simpson with the additional vocal tones of the Fraser sisters and Georgina Boyes produce a dense, resonant sonority…Here are songs from Albion’s past to be enjoyed at any other season but since it’s that time of year…light the candles, sot close by the fire and wallow in the aural gorgeousness of Coope, Boyes, Simpson, Fraser, Freya and Boyes.” BBC Radio 2

Tickets are £14, £12 concessions. To book call the ticket office on 0161 7612216 or go on line at www.themet.biz

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Press contact:                       Victoria Robinson @ The Met 0161 761 7107

                                     victoria.robinson@themet.biz