In the summer of 1965 a chance meeting between John Howarth and the brothers Larry and Gerry Kearns saw the beginning of years of fun and music for The Oldham Tinkers and all who chanced upon them on their travels.

All these years later, their longstanding career has involved such extremes as performing for the Queen and being championed by DJs Andy Kershaw and John Peel.

This year, their contribution to folk music has led them to be asked to appear alongside the likes of Eliza Carthy at Cecil Sharp House to celebrate eighty years of Topic Records.

Today, their appearances are rare and we’re delighted to see them return to The Met in what will be an evening of Lancastrian dry wit and song with lashings of humour to spare.