The 12 finalists from ITV's 2009 X Factor talent show perform live including Olly, Stacey, Joe, Daryl and John & Edward

Floridian thrash revivalists who are coming into their own and transcending their black metal influences with a complex, powerful screaming yet melodic sound like on hit single 'Anthem'

Original 70s punks from Belfast still fronted by the iconic Jake Burns. Their music combines lyrics that meld the personal and political & music that combines the energy of punk with infectious hooks.

The AC/DC show with a big difference! Both the Bon Scott & Brian Johnson eras of the band are included - with two very individual singers in the same explosive performance

The group that've made folk rock fashionable again, Turin Brakes lace their melodic acoustic musings with a healthy dose of indie to make the perfect songs for those lazy summer afternoons

As Little Axe Skip returns to exploring the rich blues tradition that he grew up with and learned from his father and thus, intriguingly, bringing black American music full circle.

Dr Truth are five experienced musicians, immersed in the language of the blues. The band play original songs with an American style and Salford sensibility. A fast rising band on the UK circuit.

WE HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR YOU - 20% OFF YOUR TICKET TO SEE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S VAREKAI AT THE TRAFFORD CENTRE (IN THE BIG TOP) FROM THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY TO FRIDAY 12TH MARCH 2010. Following on from its sell out run at London's Royal Albert Hall, Cirque du Soleil will be bringing its spectacular masterpiece, Varekai to Manchester for the very first time. Appearing at the Trafford Centre under the Grand Chapiteau (Cirque's Big Top) from Thursday 25th February until Sunday 21st March 2010. This will be the only stop for Varekai outside London, and is on for a strictly limited period only. Varekai, meaing "wherever" from the Romany language, is an explosive fusion of colourful drama and awe-inspiring acrobatics. The seemingly impossible becomes possible through the stunning displays of skill and power, and set to a pulsating music score and interwoven by thrilling choreography. The Grand Chapiteau is a huge temperature-controlled temporary structure which seats over 2,500 spectactors per performance. All the seats are cushioned and circle a central stage like a Roman amphitheatre, giving everyone a fantastic view of the show. There has never been a better time to dream!

The Rainbow Fish, with her shimmering scales, is the most beautiful fish in the ocean. But, she is proud and vain, and none of the other fish want to be her friend, - until she learns to give.

In 2009, Dave set off on a unique national tour, to cycle over 1500 miles across Britain in 33 days… with a gig each night. Demand for the show has been so high that he’s decided to keep performing it.

MC Dan Nightingale
Simon Bligh, Barry Dodds
& Brendan Riley.