When: 7pm on Thursday 23 April 2026
Where: Low Four Studio, Deansgate Mews, Great Northern, Manchester M3 4EN

Gratis – our series of free entry shows – continues with Sunflower Thieves!

Rooted in sisterhood, childhood friends Amy Illingworth and Lily Sturt-Bolshaw found their feet in Leeds to form Sunflower Thieves. Gathering plaudits from BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, Radio X, CLASH, The Line Of Best Fit, Atwood Mag and more along the way, they released their debut EP Someone To Be There For in 2022 and follow-up Same Blood EP in 2024.

A self-produced partnership, nurturing a unique sound, SFT take a blueprint of dreamy, rousing soundscapes and inject it with grit and vulnerability. Navigating friendships, the longing for connection, romance, mental health and therapy, it’s a warm, comforting hug and support network in sonic form.

The duo have sold out headline shows across London, Leeds and Nottingham as well as toured the UK alongside the likes of Tors, Lexie Carroll, Samantha Crain, Dan Croll, Lewis Watson, Hayley Blais, Flyte, Say She She, Hannah Grace, Get Cape.Wear Cape.Fly and more.

Support comes from Edie Bens. An independent Brighton-based Welsh singer/songwriter, Edie Bens combines folk and country influences.

This show takes place at Low Four – a recording studio situated on Deansgate Mews in the Great Northern warehouse. This intimate venue features a fully stocked Cloudwater bar.

This is a 14+ show. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

This is a free entry show! You can reserve your place via Seetickets.com

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When: 7.30pm on Thursday 23 April 2026
Where: Kamera at Lloyd & Platt, 617 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M219AN

We’re delighted to welcome Lande Hekt to Kamera!

Lande Hekt has quietly become one of the UK’s best underground songwriters. On her 2021 debut full-length Going To Hell and 2022’s House Without a View, she explored her queer identity, sobriety, and childhood trauma through the lens of heartfelt, conversational indie-pop, which led to spots opening for the likes of Alvvays, Throwing Muses and The Beths. Her new album Lucky Now, written and recorded with producer Matthew Simms (Wire, It Hugs Back), reflects the most mature and confident version of Lande Hekt yet. “I’m not as concerned about how I’m presenting myself,” Hekt says. “I’ve tried to think less about how things are coming across, and just write songs that make me feel connected to myself and what I value.”

Hekt’s musical touchstones — The Wedding Present, The Sundays, The Replacements — remain the same, but at the same time she’s delved deeper into other influences. Lucky Now is indebted to 1980s twee-pop and jangle-pop like The Pastels, Tallulah Gosh and The Bats, plus more modern iterations of the sound such as Autocamper and Jeanines, in its ecstatic, soaring melodies and gorgeous, tactile guitars. The sound is fitting for Hekt’s new lyrical outlook, where, though despair and anxiety rear their heads, she digs deep to find the gratitude. “I wanted to try and push for something slightly more positive, which I’m trying to do more of generally — just to not fall apart,” Hekt says.

In keeping with that, opening track “Kitchen ii” is a love song about sharing simple, domestic moments with a partner, while “Rabbits” is a song about hope inspired by one summer solstice spent on Glastonbury Tor. Meanwhile, the slower, acoustic-based “Middle of the Night” is about “reeling from a realisation of being properly happy for the first time in my life,” Hekt says. Hekt also returns to more politically-based songwriting, after largely avoiding politics in both life and music during a disillusioned period, on “Circular” (“they change the law like it’s a game and we’re the pawns getting played”) and “A Million Broken Hearts”. “If you get swept up in the notion that being politically engaged in any way is embarrassing, that is so dangerous,” Hekt says now. “It’s really important to try and find a way to reject that.”

During the process of making the album, Hekt also moved from Bristol back to her hometown of Exeter. She wrote Lucky Now’s closing track, “Coming Home”, about the experience of returning there after a long tour; smelling the familiar smells, spotting the familiar faces. In a lot of ways, Lucky Now is about return — return to joy, return to places and parts of the self once left behind. Who you once were can seem unreachable, but sometimes you can build a bridge.

Tour support comes from Mumble Tide – ‘Indie folk duo from Bristol. Kinda country, kinda synthy, kinda moody’.

Kamera is the brand new venue upstairs at Lloyd & Platt (formerly The Lloyd’s) in Chorlton – by the team behind the Castle Hotel and Gullivers.

This show is a co-promotion with Alphaville.

Book tickets now.

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When: 7.30pm on Saturday 25 April 2025
Where: Hallé at St Michael’s, 36-38 George Leigh Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5DG

We’re delighted to be hosting Nadia Reid – Live With Strings at St Michael’s – plus Juni Habel!

New Zealand–raised, Manchester-based songwriter Nadia Reid returns with a special Record Store Day release: Nadia Reid with NZ Trio – Live at Old St Paul’s.

This album comprises of a number of tracks recorded live at Old St Paul’s in Wellington, New Zealand with NZ Trio, a string trio based in New Zealand. Nadia sang an incredible array of her catalogue, including a song that has been released this year alongside her latest album Enter Now Brightness, accompanied by a beautiful classical string arrangement. All of the tracks on the album have never been released before, digitally or physically, making it not only Nadia’s first ever live album, but also first live album with new live arrangements.

Two of the tracks on the album include beautiful covers, one from Mazzy Star and another from New Zealand-based Mahin?rangi Tocker.

The record will include a gorgeous Blue Denim vinyl, printed inner sleeve with words from Nadia and a QR insert to download the tracks.

The release will be accompanied by three extra special shows in London, Bristol and Manchester, with a string duo to accompany the tracks on the album, as well as older songs.

Special guest is Juni Habel. Juni Habel’s fragile finger-picked lullabies warm themselves by the open fire with her rich intimate voice atop twinkling arrangements and strange percussive instrumentation. Like glowing embers in the dark, these songs are odes to life and death, the beauty of belonging and human kinship with nature.

The Norwegian’s first album in three years, Evergreen In Your Mind  – released 10 April on Basin Rock – follows the breakthrough success of her Carvings LP. The songs remain delicate, Habel’s voice playing an elegant lead role – but there are fluctuations too. The small shifts in Habel’s sound mark a notable stride forward, with more focus on the groove. Playfulness was embraced and, perhaps most importantly, patience played a fundamental role in shaping every element of this incredible set of torch folk songs. Brushed with the gentle touch of pastoral psychedelia, these are songs that sit in half-light, in the gas between where we are and where we might be.

This concert takes place in Hallé at St Michael’s – a former Roman Catholic church, which was founded in 1859 and became the heart of the Little Italy Community in Ancoats.

This is a 14+ show. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

This show is a co-promotion with Grey Lantern.

Book tickets now.

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When: 7.30pm on Friday 1 May 2026
Where: The Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LE

We’re delighted to be working with MEMORIALS for the first time!

MEMORIALS draw inspiration from folk, dub, post punk, experimental tape music, 60s soul, garage rock and 70s spiritual jazz, twisting these influences into their own unmistakable sound.

The duo of Verity Susman and Matthew Simms (ex-Electrelane/WIRE) recently toured the USA opening for Stereolab and have been called ‘Stereolab’s evil twin’.

Their new limited edition 7” single Cut Glass Hammer is out on Fire Records on 3 December, with a new digital single, In The Weeds, released on the same day.

‘Kaleidoscopic art-pop and adventurous psych-rock with an immersive, experimental aura’ – KEXP

‘From baroque ’60s acid pop to Can-esque pounding krautrock to heavy psych… also very The Doors at times’ – Brooklyn Vegan

Special guest is Thorn Wych. Thorn Wych makes instruments from tree branches in her backyard workshop which she feeds through a chain of lofi effects machines, and she sings in tongues, creating atavistic hymns and hypnotic dances. For this tour she will be bringing her new Yew tree instrument series. The Yew tree symbolises renewal, rebirth and everlasting life; and with these she will usher in the new year and sing praise to Asherah the Eternal Mother of All.

Thorn Wych’s debut album Aesthesis was released on the label Hoodfaire in November 2024.

‘Haunted, sinister drones, glitched electronics and vocal incantations that reestablish the coordinates for England’s Hidden Reverse… sounds and song that pull post-industrial and traditional music into a ghostly, mesmerising fog that’s wholly unique’ – World of Echo

Book tickets now.

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When: 7.30pm on Friday 1 May 2026
Where: Gullivers, 109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW

PLEASE NOTE: This show has now sold out!

We’re excited to welcome Cat Clyde back – this time, to Gullivers!

Cat Clyde is a singer/songwriter based out of rural Ontario, Canada. A combination of driven, soulful blues and sweet, folk- tinged, dulcet tones that carry a particular sense of familiarity provide the structure on which she creates her unique sound.

With influences ranging from Patsy Cline and Lead Belly to Karen Dalton and Bobbie Gentry, this patchwork of musical significance, when stitched to her modern approach, fits like a well-tailored, corduroy-road cloth.

Cat is currently finishing up her next album to be released on Concord Records, with one song, Wild One, being released so far.

Local support comes from Harriet Dagnall. Combining elements of dream-pop and indie rock with soaring ethereal vocals, Harriet reluctantly categorises herself under the catch-all ‘alt-pop.’ Drawing influence from the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The War on Drugs, The Japanese House and Alvvays, Harriet’s narrative song writing style alongside intimate and personal lyricism bring to life her own unique stories, whilst connecting to universal experiences of love, friendship and, frequently, rage.

Book tickets now.

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When: 2pm until late on Sunday 3 May 2026
Where: St Philip’s Church, Encombe Place, Salford, M3 6FJ

Hey! Manchester teams up with Strange Days to curate a stage at this year’s Sounds From The Other City!

Celebrating the best emerging artists and genres from across the UK, SFTOC returns with an eclectic lineup curated by a diverse group of independent local promoters, selectors and tastemakers. The festival will once again take place in unconventional venues across Salford, with 17 stages around Chapel Street and The Crescent, from pubs and churches to concert halls and in-between spaces.

This year – our 16th year in a row – we return to a very special venue for us: St Philip’s Church! The building is one of Greater Manchester’s finest Georgian buildings, dating back to 1825, and its Greek style is unique in Salford.

Our stage’s line-up – booked in collaboration with fellow independent promoters Strange Days – features Blue Bendy, Hater, ashnymph, Pyncher and SLAG. Listen to them all via our stage’s playlist:

To find out more about Sounds From The Other City – and to buy tickets (giving access to all stages) – visit Soundsfromtheothercity.com.

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When: 7.30pm on Wednesday 6 May 2026
Where: Gullivers, 109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW

PLEASE NOTE: This show has now sold out!

We’re excited to welcome Chris Brain back to Gullivers!

Chris Brain is a Yorkshire-based folk singer-songwriter whose work sits firmly in the British pastoral tradition, shaped by close attention to place, memory and emotional nuance. His fourth album, Red Sun Rising (2026), is a quietly powerful collection of songs centred on yearning, restlessness and the desire for change.

Rooted in acoustic textures and intimate storytelling, Red Sun Rising feels like a record made in motion: landscapes shifting, seasons turning, inner lives gently unsettled. Brain’s songwriting balances melody and restraint.

A familiar voice on BBC 6 Music and the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show, Chris has shared the stage with iconic acts like Robert Plant, Jacqui McShee and Martin Simpson. Golden Days, the first single from his debut album Steady Away, is prominently featured in the A24 film We Live In Time, starring Oscar-nominated actors Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield.

In Spring 2025, Chris embarked on a near sell-out UK/Ireland solo tour including a packed hometown show at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club. He rounded off the year with a sold-out seven-date tour of Japan and a headline performance at the iconic Union Chapel, accompanied by Lockeland Strings.

In 2026, Chris performs a headline show at The Tron Theatre, Glasgow as part of Celtic Connections and a 17-date UK and Ireland tour is planned to mark the release of Red Sun Rising.

‘There are shades of the master Ralph McTell here and I can think of no greater compliment than that, I love it’ – Mark Radcliffe, BBC 2 Folk Show

‘Yorkshire singer songwriter Brain consistently impresses with his third album’ – Daily Express

‘Contemporary folk song at its finest’ – Songlines Magazine

Support comes from Marnie Glum.

Book tickets now.

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When: 7.30pm on Friday 8 May 2026
Where: The Eagle Inn, 19 Collier Street, Salford, M3 7DW

PLEASE NOTE: This show has already sold out! But watch this space for a big follow-up show, to be announced soon.

We’re delighted to be working with Gustaffson again!

Gustaffson host an intimate live show at The Eagle Inn, Salford. This will be the bands first live performance of 2026, playing music from their critically acclaimed debut album Black & White Movie –plus a chance for their audience to hear brand new material.

The Eagle is favourite venue of the northern five-piece, which has been a staple in their musical journey so far – a back drop for music videos and post studio drinks.

‘Best Five Artists of October 2025’ – The Manc & Audio North

‘Blurring the boundaries between music and film’ – ITV Granada

‘Gigs of the year 2025’ – RGM Magazine

They will be supported by Manchester folk acoustic artist Mark Kelly.

Book tickets now.

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When: 7.30pm on Friday 8 May 2025
Where: Hallé at St Michael’s, 36-38 George Leigh Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5DG

PLEASE NOTE: Due to demand, this show has been upgraded to Hallé at St Michael’s. All details remain the same, except doors are now 7.30pm. Original tickets remain valid and more tickets have been released.

We’re delighted to welcome Belle Chen back to Manchester!

Notes fall like raindrops, quickening pace as the clouds gather. The piano melody splish-sploshes into the electronic soundscape; the trees become denser, the journey more profound. Belle Chen‘s album Ravel In The Forest, released on the Platoon label, leads the listener through ancient woodland, quiet clearings and tropical canopies. We’re accompanied by birds, a chameleon, a dragonfly – the wonder of the natural world is imbued into this imaginary space.

Receiving a standing ovation at her EFG London Jazz Festival debut in 2024, Belle is praised as an artist who is ‘original and provocative… feels like the sense of discovery’ by Brian Eno. The Australian Music Prize-nominated artist’s latest album charted at No 7 on UK Official Chart (Specialist Classical) and No 15 on Australia’s ARIA Chart (Classical).

In her live shows, Belle takes a quirky, yet tender approach to musical storytelling. With the unmistakable influences of Maurice Ravel, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Joe Hisaishi’s melodic sweetness shining through, Belle blends sonic synth explorations, classical virtuosity, and free flowing improvisations that feel equally at home on jazz or experimental stages.

This is a solo performance that is not to be missed, with Belle performing tunes from her Ravel In The Forest album and new material.

This concert takes place in Hallé at St Michael’s – a former Roman Catholic church, which was founded in 1859 and became the heart of the Little Italy Community in Ancoats.

This is a 14+ show. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Book tickets now.

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When: 7.30pm on Saturday 9 May 2026
Where: The Strines Nightingale, 105 Strines Rd, Strines, Marple, Stockport SK6 7GE

We’re excited to welcoming Kaïa Kater to the Strines Nightingale for an intimate show!

Montreal-born Grenadian-Canadian Kaïa Kater‘s jazz-fuelled voice and deft songcraft have garnered acclaim from NPR’s Tiny Desk, the Guardian, Rolling Stone and No Depression. Through her artful banjo playing and lush songwriting, Kater draws on influences rooted in Quebec, the Caribbean, and Appalachia, all of which reflect the diversity of her background; her ties to the Canadian folk music scene; her college years spent soaking up Appalachian music in West Virginia, her father’s experience growing up in Grenada, and her recent work in film composition.

Kater’s new JUNO-winning album, Strange Medicine, celebrates the power of women and oppressed people throughout history, while also sharing deep self-reflection, reinvention, and meditations on her own life. Taking the helm as co-producer, alongside Joe Grass (Elisapie, Barr Brothers), the album finds Kater expanding her creative scope with cinematic arrangements, and working with guest artists such as Taj Mahal, Allison Russell and Aoife O’Donovan. Its release has provided her the foundation for touring across North America, the UK, and Europe with notable performances at Reeperbahn, Junofest, Celtic Connections, Newport Folk Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, the legendary Cayamo Cruise, and many more.

Kater released her first EP Old Soul (2013) when she was just out of high school. Since then, she’s gone on to release several albums, Sorrow Bound (2015), Nine Pin (2016), Grenades (2018) and Strange Medicine (May 2024). For the JUNO-nominated and Polaris Music Prize long-listed Grenades, Kater leaned into a wide array of sounds and styles in order to convey a broad range of emotions and topics, most notably her Caribbean ancestry and her father’s experience as a refugee in Canada.

In 2020, Kater took part in the Slaight Music Residency at the Canadian Film Center, leading her to write original music for The Porter (BET+ 2022), for which she garnered a Canadian Screen Award. She also wrote and performed music for the new film, My Dead Friend Zoe (March 2024).

‘You want some authenticity in your folk music or bluegrass – I give you Kaïa Kater’ – No Depression

This show takes place at the Strines Nightingale – a lovely country pub, formerly called the Sportsman, which re-opened in autumn 2022. Strines is on the Piccadilly-Sheffield train line, and on the 358 bus route from Stockport to Hayfield. This show will run until 10.30pm at the latest.

Book tickets now.

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