Octimus opened the gig and it was an eclectic set from an interesting bunch led by a short, hirsute, bespectacled singer who looked part hobbit, part 1960's University Challenge contestant.

Kid's Symphony swept on stage next and delivered a stylish sequence of melodic rock numbers with panache. They opened with "Hands on the Money" their single out at the end of November.

A gleaming set from Snow Patrol

They've got a very strong, multi layered sound which owes a little something to Queen in places, and Chris Langdon on vocals and guitar oozes confidence and attitude.

Some strong support from guitarist Pete Denton on backing vocals and Glenn and Carl on "She lives in New York City", the track which went down a storm with the crowd.

Signed to Island, this band look as if they're being fast tracked to make it big sooner rather than later. They left the audience wanting more, but a pity that "Spaceships", their final number was the most poorly executed of their set with Chris Langdon's vocals not quite hitting the target on this one.

There was a crowd of about 250 waiting for Snow Patrol, and within minutes, lead vocalist Gary Lightbody (don't you just love that name?) had each of us eating out of his hand with his diffident Irish charm.

They kicked off, appropriately enough with "Wow" followed swiftly by the rocking rhythms of "Gleaming." A few anxious moments with Esmeralda, Gary's guitar deciding to go out of tune, but she soon perked up for "Spitting Games", their up tempo, poppy, current single.

It's a good song, but their next single, out in January is destined to be a classic. It's called "Run". It's anthemic almost, a passionate song sung with sincerity and backed by beautiful guitar work and supporting vocals and it genuinely made the hairs on the back of my neck scream "Yes!"

Some of the fitter members of the audience had a great time jumping to the last three tracks, but when Gary Lightbody returned for the encore, he was on his own.

"The drummer's knackered," he announced, "So I hope you don't mind if it's just me." We didn't, because we were treated to a beautiful version of "Olive Grove", followed by a cover of "Damien Rice's "The Blower's Daughter".

Then, refreshed, the rest of the band trooped back on stage for a triumphant rousing rendition of their first ever single.

Hopefully the change of record label is going to mean that this indie band with the foot-tapping, head-shaking beats and quality crafted songs but sometimes oh so sad lyrics are going to be given the backing they so richly deserve.

Bridget Blair