THE spirit of Mad-chester is still well and truly alive.

Inspiral Carpets were |synonymous with the lively Mancunian alternative rock and electronic music scene in the early 1990s, alongside bands such as the Happy Mondays.

Now the band is kicking off its headline UK tour with its opening night in the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth on Thursday, December 4.

The 11-date tour marks the |release of their first album in two decades as they return with their dynamic style of alternative and psychedelic rock.

The five-piece band will take to|the stage as part of a tour following a busy summer where the |legendary Manchester band performed at the Isle of Wight Festival and a host of other live gigs in this country and abroad.

Their fifth studio album is self-titled and features the single Spitfire, which was released in August.

The album, released on Cherry Red, also includes the tune Let You Down, co-performed and written |with fellow Mancunian punk poet John Cooper-Clark.

Drummer Craig Gill said: “We have been busy gigging all summer at the likes of T in The Park and the Isle of Wight, bedding a couple of those new tracks into our classic live set.

“The band are really gelling, we’re enjoying the moment.”

Singer Steven Holt added: “We’re really pleased to be playing a tour of this length which will take us around the country. We’re on good form, don’t miss out.”