The Manchester Guitar Circle was founded in 1946 by John Duarte and Terry Usher with the stated aim of "increasing interest in the classical guitar".

Nowadays, the society remains classically-based, although all styles of acoustic, flamenco and jazz guitar are welcomed.

The present membership represents a cross-section of professional and amateur guitarists from throughout the region.

Players' nights are held on the first Thursday of every month in the relaxed atmosphere of the MGC's permanent home at Flixton House.

Next Players' Night - Thursday 2nd February

The doors open at 8.00pm and the final session ends around 11.00pm.

Non-members are welcome to attend for an admission fee of £1.50.

The MGC also promotes the "International Guitar in Bolton" series of professional concerts by leading players from all over the world.

Past seasons have included Fabio Zanon, Martin Taylor, Gordon Giltrap, Juan Martin and many more.

Recently, a programme was found from a celebrity recital by John Williams, organised by the MGC in 1970.

In 2006, the MGC presented its "60th Anniversary Season" featuring Carlos Bonell, John Mills & Cobie Smit, Margarita Escarpa, Graham Devine and Milica Ilic.

The 2009 season featured the first Manchester performance by the legendary Paraguayan guitarist Berta Rojas, and summer 2010 saw the return to the MGC of the Aquarelle Quartet and Xuefei Yang.

In October 2010, we welcomed the brilliant Italian guitarist Carlo Ambrosio, whose programme included the Bach "Chaconne" and "Nocturnal Op.70" by Benjamin Britten.

Annual membership of the MGC costs £12.00 - please contact us by email for details of how to join.

All members have free access to the monthly sessions and are entitled to a discount of 25% on concert admission.