I went to see The Lottery Winners at Manchester Academy and a generous act made me cry

So many people ask me what to expect from a Lottery Winners gig and truth be told, it’s a difficult question to answer. I’ve been fortunate enough to catch the Leigh-born band a number of times in the last two years after discovering them at Tramlines Festival, and while every single show has been totally unique, if there’s one thing you can rely on, it’s that it will be a night of unpredictability, joy and generosity.

This week, the band kicked off their Keep On Keeping On tour with a three-show residency at Manchester Academy ahead of their fourth studio album, KOKO, due to be released in February. Packed with die-hard fans, some post-Christmas sparkle, and lashings of indie pop, the evening set a high bar for the rest of their Burning House Party weekend.

The first of three themed nights saw the band perform tracks from their 2020 debut album The Lottery Winners and its follow-up Something to Leave the House For, while sprinkling in newer fan favourites, making it the perfect setlist for early adopters of the band.

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Warming up the audience was Harriet Rose with a blend of indie and Americana. The singer songwriter has earned herself a number of impressive support slots over the years, including Pete Doherty of The Libertines and is set to play Come Together Festival in the summer. Though if you did fancy catching her in Manchester, you’re in luck, as she’ll be playing Factory on January 31.

Just a week after getting all their instruments and equipment stolen, Tom A. Smith took to the stage with sheer grit and determination for a short but sweet set of sparkling indie rock. The band were driving from Sunderland to London to perform a live session at Radio