Playing the Grand Opera House for the 16th time Huge took the place by storm.

They kicked off the show with a novel introduction via video link from Adrian Chiles and Lee Dixon in the Match of The Day 2 studios, and then proceeded to fulfil the pre-gig promise of lead singer Ian Donaghy to produce "a cracking set of ballsy tunes."

Big Ian may be half the physical size he used to be but his personality is still huge.

Always in touch with his audience he made the full house of all ages feel like one big happy family, and with his wit and showmanship in full swing the party never stopped.

George Hall on keyboards may have to suffer most of Ian's jokes but he lets his fingers do the talking, and adds real quality to the side.

The rest of the team are excellent, with some great solo runs from the horn section, solid support at the back from Mike Lambert on drums and Phil Hardy on guitar, while Mike Sollitt won man of the match for his outstanding technical skills on bass.

The songs they take on are diverse to say the least, with covers like Video Killed the Radio Star contrasting with The Faces Stay With Me, while both were eclipsed by The Who's Pinball Wizard.

The essence of this band is fun and entertainment, and their loyal audience are making these annual fixtures at the Opera House something of an institution. Catch them again next Saturday for the return leg...