In 1990, after making gradual in-roads into Manchester's growing clubbing scene with Factory Records' hit-or-miss electro-funksters Quando Quango (great single - "Genius") and the trippier T-Coy (great single - "Carino"), future Hacienda DJing legend Mike Pickering formulated a more commercial amalgam of all three interests.

Called M People and formed of Pickering, soulful vocal powerhouse Heather Small and pals Paul Heard and 'Shovell', the soon-to-be chart-bothering outfit were far from another temporary project, notching up seven years' worth of hits and plenty of awards and accolades.

You didn't need to be a part of Manchester's dance scene to hear the hits - the band went national after the release of album #1, "Northern Soul". 1991's debut contained the hits "Colour My Life" and the sublime "How Can I Love You More?" but stalled outside the Top 20, paving the way for bigger things in the shape of its slicker follow-up.

"Elegant Slumming" was released two years later and ramped up M People's intent somewhat. Packed full of huge hits such as "Movin' On Up", "One Night in Heaven", a super slinky cover of Dennis Edwards' "Don't Look Any Further" and the floor-friendly banger "Renaissance", it came as little surprise when it copped 1993's Mercury Music Prize.

Twenty years on, just as the '90s are starting to gain more interest, M People will celebrate Elegant Slumming's 20th anniversary with a full UK tour. Manchester will be the apt starting point for the jaunt on 10th October, with other confirmed stops that include Bristol, Guildford, Sheffield etc until London on 27th October.

Tickets on sale now, priced from £25 upwards.

In addition, Heather Small will perform at a few summer festivals, including Flashback Festival 2013, Chilfest 2013 and Rewind Scotland - the '80s Festival 2013 - tickets are available now.