LOCAL band Winston look set to hit the big time. Not only have they secured high profile gigs in Manchester city centre, but they are off to the recording studios to lay down tracks for their first EP. The line-up includes Ben Wakerley from Bolton on drums, who is joined by three lads from Bury, Damien Pinder on lead guitar, Francis Beckette on vocals and Gary Spann on bass. Gary and Ben joined the band six months ago, and have been making sweet music ever since.

And although Francis and Damien are the main songwriters, all the band have a hand in the songs.

But they are adamant that their music is not "indie", preferring the description "elliptic".

At the moment they are looking forward to playing the Boardwalk in Manchester on Wednesday night. March 24, where they play alongside Treehouse, a band that supported Hootie and the Blowfish on their last UK tour.

And they've also got a gig at Band on the Wall lined up for April 30.

"We've got out fingers crossed that there will be some A&R people in the audience," confides Ben. Great expectations for Winston.

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