IVOR Novello award-winning artist Cherry Ghost, otherwise known as Bolton boy Simon Aldred, is to head out on tour with Paul Heaton to perform the latter’s “soul opera” The 8th.

One of the hits of last year’s Manchester International Festival, The 8th is one of the longest songs ever written, and looks at the seven deadly sins through a series of scenes taking place in a single poverty-stricken neighbourhood, one where a new, thoroughly modern sin, The 8th is able to insinuate itself into every person’s life.

Aldred will also join Heaton for a set of the former Beautiful South and Housemartins frontman’s greatest hits. Also on stage will be by star of US hit series The Wire Reg E Cathey, ex-Beautiful South singer Jacqui Abbott, Los Campesinos! vocalist Gareth Paisey, soul singer Wayne Gidden, Scottish singer songwriter Aaron Wright, The Earlies’ Christian Madden, Hull country and western singer Mike Greaves and the gospel tinged voices of Yvonne Shelton and Steve Menzies.

The six performances will include a show at Salford Quays’ Lowry Lyric Theatre on Friday, July 6. Tickets cost £20 and go on sale at 9am this Friday, March 23. To book, visit seetickets.com .