Wayne McDonald and Andy Callen met on the Manchester acoustic scene in the early noughties, and started working together following the splits of their former bands, Because They Came From The Wrong Side Of Town and The Spinning Fields, in 2005. In 2006 they became Picnic Area, on the basis that they were a British band playing country music, and picnic areas are what you find in the British countryside! As a duo, they released their first album, the confidently-titled "The essential Picnic Area". A sprawling 21 track DIY recording made at home in Wythenshawe, it nevertheless drew some favourable comments in early reviews. The additions of Simon Parkin, Matt Crawford, and most recently Paul Manina, have resulted in a flexible lineup capable of playing any type of gig. The new album, "You know you want it!", is now available for sale. The album was recorded with legendary producer Bill Leader and engineer/ jazz keyboardist John Ellis.
Picnic Area play frequently in the Manchester area, including their own monthly "Picnic Club" showcase at Fuel Bar, Wilmslow Road, Withington. They have hosted events at the Middlewich Festival, Cheshire, for a number of years, and have played support to many leading acts on the British new country scene, such as Quiet Loner, and The Good Intentions.

The current lineup of Picnic Area is:
Andy Callen - guitars, backing vocals
Matt "The Bonsai Whale" Crawford - bass guitar, multi-instrumentalist
Wayne McDonald - lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Paul Manina - harmonica, percussion
Simon Parkin - drums, percussion