BURY'S popular entertainment venue The Met has announced it will reopen on May 17with a season of live, socially distanced gigs including comedian Justin Moorhouse and DJ, director and author Don Letts.

Each show will welcome live audiences in line with the current government roadmap out of lockdown.

The opening programme of socially distanced gigs kicks off with BBC Folk Awards Best Duo nominees, Belshazzer’s Feast on Thursday, May 27.

Other programme highlights include Mercury Prize nominee and I Am Kloot frontman John Bramwell, who takes to the stage on Friday 28 May, performing tracks from his debut solo album and Kloot classics.

Director, DJ, author and broadcaster Don Letts looks back on his exceptional life on Saturday 29 May, as part of his There and Black Again book tour. With tales of befriending Bob Marley after sneaking into his hotel room and touring with The Clash, Don discusses Black Lives Matter, his new book and treading his own path.

British singer-songwriter Hannah White will also be performing at The Met’s opening weekend on Saturday, May 29.

Families can enjoy a performance of How the Koala Learnt to Hug, based on Steven Lee’s best-selling book. This Covid secure show features games, giggles and songs and is suitable for ages 3+. Monday, May 31.

First Thursday Comedy returns on Thursday, June 3, a stand-up night of silliness featuring local lad Justin Moorhouse, BBC New Comedy Award finalist Alun Cochrane, Peter Brush and Hannah Silvester.

Live comedy fans are in for a double treat, as Mock the Week and Radio 4 regular and double Sony award winner comedian Gary Delaney presents his work in progress on Thursday, June 10.

Automatic, The Met’s bar and restaurant will reopen on May 18, serving coffees, lunches, dinners and pre and post show drinks in one of Bury’s best loved restaurants.

Temperature checks, one-way systems, additional cleaning and table service are just some of the measures being taken by The Met to ensure that audiences have a safe, enjoyable experience in a Covid secure environment.

Seating for shows is set out in cabaret style tables, so audiences can enjoy live, socially distant performances and face masks are mandatory in shared spaces in the building.

Victoria Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Having closed our doors more than a year ago, we are really excited to welcome back live audiences into our building for a season of socially distant performances."

To book, visit: themet.org.uk/whats-on/