CityLife

Sophie Parkes' top five

ACOUSTIC SET: Levellers

Chinese Orchestra @ Bridgewater Hall - I went along purely because I was intrigued and had free tickets, but I was bowled over by this full orchestra of Chinese traditional musicians playing weird and wonderful instruments that I'll probably never see again.

Lau @ Bury Met - Lau could make even the least-likely-folk-fan tap their feet and enjoy themselves. Dynamic and gifted, with hilarious banter in between, this trio have set the Scottish and English folk scenes alight with their experimental take on traditional music.

Bellowhead @ Bury Met - A band which can barely fit on the stage are always going to make a huge sound, but nothing can prepare you for Bellowhead. It's loud, it's innovative and it's good for a dance.

Rachel Unthank and the Winterset @ RNCM - Before the Mercury nomination and before the sad departure of pianist Belinda O'Hooley, Rachel Unthank and the Winterset gathered at the Royal Northern for a sometimes haunting, oft-rousing performance. And don't forget the clogs.

The Levellers @ Buxton Opera House - Soon after the release of latest album Letters From The Underground, The Levellers took to the stage for what was billed as an acoustic performance, but what ended up being loud and raucous as ever - but sat down, mainly due to fiddler Jon Sevink's broken ankle.