AN ANNUAL celebration of live music venues and new artists has returned to Bury this week.

Independent Venue Week (IVW) has arrived at The Met for seven days of live music and entertainment from a stellar line up of emerging acts and big names.

Eclectic artists appearing over the week include legendary Indie icon Richard Hawley, London Indie-folk outfit Turin Brakes, up and coming melodic-folk star Chloe Foy and Edinburgh-born harp player Anna McLuckie.

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David Agnew, The Met’s artistic director, said: “We’re proud of our status as an independent venue which supports artists and delivers brilliant live experiences for music fans.

“IVW has been a fantastic opportunity for us to bring someone like Richard Hawley to the venue and get hundreds of new people into the building. These gigs with Anna and Chloe are a chance to bring fans of all ages to The Met at the same time to discover new artists in a brilliant, welcoming, gig environment.”

On Saturday and Sunday, fan favourite and Sheffield superstar Richard Hawley is once again preparing to take up a sell-out two-night weekend residency at The Met for the fourth year in a row.

He will be supported on both dates by Studio Electrophonique.

Also securing a sell out crown are Turin Brakes, who will perform an acoustic gig upstairs in the venue on Friday, with support from Kevin Pearce.

However this year The Met is further celebrating IVW by showcasing up and coming talents at two tea-time gigs from Anna McLuckie on Saturday and Chloe Foy on Sunday.

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Both shows have been created to encourage more people to come out to live independent gigs and as an opportunity for families and younger music fans to enjoy an event without late night travel.

They will also give Richard Hawley ticket holders a chance to revel in more music and experience more of the venue before the night-time gig.

The early-evening shows are suitable for all ages and start at 6pm, with tickets priced from £7 for under 21s.

Victoria Robinson, The Met's CEO, said: “The independent music scene is changing and venues can't always rely on alcohol sales, which can put some people off from attending.

“Our profile and programme is quite unique in Greater Manchester. We want to take the chance to try earlier start times, reasonable prices for young people and gigs for over 14s or that families can attend as a group to help inspire the next generation of live music fans in Bury.”

Also appearing at The during IVW will be Della Mae who will appear on Thursday, with support from Jaywalkers.

For tickets and more information visit themet.org.uk/whats-on/.