Entertainment

Just before the mid-point of Bill Ryder-Jones gig at Gullivers in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a man turns around to tell the lads behind him to stop talking.

Manchester is playing host to Los Angeles electro trio Mini Mansions and for guitarist Michael Shuman aka ‘Mickey Shoes’ there’s no better place.

Lonely the Brave look confused. I think I have confused Lonely the Brave. “I’m sorry, what was the question?” drummer Gavin Edgeley asks.

As I was walking out of the Arena, a girl behind asked if she could write something on my notepad.

It’s been a hell of an 18 months for Lonely the Brave.

Manchester will once again stoke the fires of creativity and passion this winter as an eclectic new festival celebrating local music, poetry and fashion begins tomorrow evening.

Obaro Ejimiwe – otherwise known as Ghostpoet – is responsible for some of this year’s most original and exciting music.

The gig kicked off with a sedate but soulful warm-up from London artist Ceaser and Nottingham born singer/songwriter Liam Bailey.

Having released his third solo album West Kirby County Primary last week, former Coral guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones comes to Manchester to play a sold-out show at Gullivers on Friday.

A boisterous crowd of all ages packed into the Manchester Arena last night for the WWE’s latest Smackdown show.

Out of the Gorilla mist came musicians in retro leather jackets and brogues with neatly coiffed hair, armed with a washboard, harmonica and a… theremin? It’s not an inebriated Grease tribute act, it’s Lord Huron.