THOUSANDS of people have stepped through the door of The Met since it underwent a transformation.

On Friday the team behind the big Bury venue celebrated a year of success which has seen festival, poets and big bands take to the stage.

Artistic director David Agnew said: “It’s been amazing.

“It has been a huge opportunity and change for the venue but we also wanted to retain elements of what made the Met so well loved and used.

“We have been delighted to welcome back audiences and bands, both new and old.

“People have been enjoying the building, the new technology that make a production that the audiences expect and deserve.

“From the audience point of view, they did not want the refurbishment to lose what made the venue so special. From the feedback we’ve had they feel it has not changed that dramatically.

“It is still the same building that has been loved over the years but now offers what modern audiences need.”

Saturday marked the first anniversary of The Met’s re-opening following the £4.5 million refurbishment.

During the year the venue has put on more than 250 music, theatre, comedy and family shows in two theatres, as well as hundreds of workshops and classes.

It has attracted nearly 35,000 people - plus many events in other venues in Bury and Ramsbottom, including the Head for the Hills festival.

Stand out acts have included the likes of Lloyd Cole, The Young’uns and Prestwich poet Tony Walsh revealing new work.

Chief executive officer Victoria Robinson added: “We have a very busy programme for the coming year which we are all really excited about! Expect a few twists!

“We expect the festival to be another highlight and look forward to another busy year.”