Toss The Feathers (6pm to 11pm)

Toss The Feathers were formed in 1987 after Dave Smylie met Pete Carberry in Manchester's Bouzouki By Night. Joined by Michael McGoldrick, Angela Usher and Martin Moylan, a session at The Bridgewater Bar in Stockport followed and since the Mancunian second-generation Irish group have become legendary on the Celtic Rock circuit.

Eddie Sheehan replaced Martin as guitarist and in 1988 Paul Usher (drums) and Dezi Donnelly (fiddle) joined. Founding members, Angela and Pete left before Chris Cormac (banjo/mandolin) made up the 5-piece.

Their debut recorded album, "Columbus Eclipse", focused more on their traditional Irish influences with many brilliant instrumental tracks and was released in 1989 to widespread acclaim.

The 1991 follow-up album, "Awakenings", (which is also known as "Rude Awakenings") changed tempo and helped earn them a large following in Europe, mixing traditional with rock. Sean Reagan temporarily replaced Dezi on fiddle and in 1992, with Jim Krawiecki, 'The Tossers' made their debut performance at Manchester's Apollo Theatre, selling out the 2,000 capacity venue.

Toss The Feathers have, with differing line-ups, since gone on to play all over the UK, Ireland, and the USA. It was in mainland Europe though that they enjoyed their greatest success, practically living there in the early 1990's before returning home to Manchester. Dezi rejoined for a short stint and Eddie Sheehan left before the release of their brilliant 1995 album,"The Next Round".

'The Tossers' have always had a large following and have been able to survive various line-up changes since as well as accomodating solo success from Michael McGoldrick. (He is replaced by Paul Daly when not available).

Toss The Feathers' unique mix of traditional Irish music with rock will continue to win many new followers (they have also recently toured Asia). TTF are Manchester's most exciting Celtic export since Phil Lynott and must be seen live.