An Audience with… offered an opportunity to get up close and personal with Elbow’s Guy Garvey, actor/comedian John Thomson, and writers Jackie Kay and Lemn Sissay, all of whom talked about their personal and professional lives with series curator Dave Haslam.

Semi-Plugged, meanwhile, showcased some of the best new bands in Manchester, performing their own material and one-off covers alongside a number of special guests. This was a celebration of the best of the city, perhaps providing a glimpse of the artists who may be headlining the Festival in future years.

Mon 6 July An Audience with Guy Garvey
Thu 9 July Semi-Plugged: Everything Everything, Run Toto Run, Airship
Sat 11 July An Audience with John Thomson
Mon 13 July Semi-Plugged: Dutch Uncles, John Stammers, Sophie’s Pigeons
Tue 14 July An Audience with Jackie Kay & Lemn Sissay
Sat 18 July Delphic & Shmoo