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While this one-off seasonal offering was headlined by The Charlatans, there was a lot more going on for indie fans than just their solitary slot.

The night was opened by Altricham teenagers Tinmen, winner of XFM Manchester's Rock School competition, who were presented with a bass guitar on the evening by Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order fame.

The boys were followed by The Ting Tings and The Courteeners, and it was the latter band that nearly stole the entire show after the interval, proving why they are attracting so many new fans with a lively performance.

Mancunian favourite Stephen Fretwell followed with an acoustic set and while he only played 3 songs, the quality of the performance was such that the crowd was glad for every second.

His final number Scar was particularly innovative, and showed why he has attained so much space on the airwaves of late.

Next up were The Cribs, delivering their college rock style to a welcoming crowd.

Yet the handful of moshers were throwing bottles by the end of their time with a vocalist barely managing to pronounce his lyrics and a bassist leaving revellers wondering why exactly he was on stage with bare feet.

There was something that didn't seem to fit here, and they left to a polite applause they really cannot complain about.

Another acoustic set ensued this time by James Walsh from Starsailor.

Silence is Easy and Good Souls went down a treat before a clever reworking of Gorillaz' Dare and Abba's Dancing Queen.

Another successful response suggested that the acoustic performers on the evening should have been allotted more time.

The finale came in the form of one of the nation's great bands from the last 15 years.

As they entered, large glitter filled balloons were sent into the air and an aura of party time was more than apparent.

Starting with Feel the Pressure and The Only I One Know, the gig really came alive with the classic Weirdo' and the finale came in the form of Sproston Green to cap a highly enjoyable evening.

The Charlatans proved why they are a household name with an hour's music that seemed to fly by, and perhaps was only missing a rendition of One to Another which was omitted despite pleas from their followers.

Forget your summer festivals, let's have more winter madness.

8:00pm Tuesday 18th December 2007

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