IF you’re in need of some festive cheer, then chatting to Peter Denton of The Kooks, is the perfect tonic.

It turns out that the bass guitarist is a big fan of Christmas. When I catch up with him, a few weeks ahead of the band’s tenth anniversary tour which visits the BIC tonight, Pete is wondering around the Christmas markets in Luxembourg.

“I’m hoping to find somewhere to get a good cup of tea,” he laughs.

Although it’s not quite what you might expect from an indie rock star, he’s been there and done all of that.

The father of three also reveals that he is planning to tie the knot next summer at The Pig on the Beach at Studland.

“I love it there. We got to know Robin (Hutson founder of The Pig hotel chain and CEO of the Lime Wood group) when we took part in the Smoked & Uncut Festival at Lime Wood (in the New Forest) and started getting on with him really well.

“We’ve also eaten at The Pig a few times - the food is incredible. I love the organic food and intimacy of it all.”

Peter who joined The Kooks in 2008, says he is also looking forward to spending Christmas with his family.

“I’m super excited about it. I’ve got three young kids so it’s all about them isn’t it? Not that I’ve got a problem with that!,” he adds hastily with a laugh.

“Our last gig is December 2 and then we’re free so we’ve got a good lead up to Christmas this time which is great so I’m going to take full advantage of that.

“I think my seven-year-old still believes in Father Christmas - he’s a clever lad so I wonder if he’s trying to humour me a bit now, but it’s probably the last year when he’ll be really excited about it all.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do when he stops believing in Santa though, because you lose one of your best ways to discipline your kids then don’t you?

“That whole thing of ‘if you don’t behave you won’t get what you want for Christmas’ and ‘don’t be naughty Santa’s watching and all that!”

But although he’s a family man, Peter clearly hasn’t lost any of his passion for the music business.

He says he still enjoys touring and is looking forward to playing in Bournemouth as part of their Best Of tour to celebrate the band’s tenth anniversary with all of their most popular tunes.

Best Of includes classic singles and fan favourites such as Naive, She Moves In Her Own Way, and Bad Habit.

(Naïve has been streamed 125 million times on Spotify alone, and Inside In / Inside Out has gone five times platinum.)

The album includes two new tracks, first single Be Who You Are, which is already fast becoming a live favourite among fans on the recent tour, and latest release Broken Vow.

Peter adds: “We’ve kind of grown up and now we’ve got enough songs to play.

“And I’m still loving the experience. We’re like brothers really. It must be difficult for bands that don’t have that love.

“If it ever gets to the stage when you can’t be bothered any more then it’s best to just move on I think.

“We’ve put a lot of time and care into this Best Of album and tour and in many ways the pressure is off a bit now. We haven’t got anything to prove so we can go out and enjoy it.”

Peter says he has also cut back on booze and has started going to the gym when he can get time.

“I still enjoy a glass of wine but I’m on the wagon at the moment. It’s probably just because I’m hungover that’s why I’m saying this!”

Looking back over his years with the band, Peter says he doesn’t have any regrets.

“There have been ups and downs of course - but we survived it and we got through it.

“I particularly loved playing at Glastonbury for the first time and we also loved playing at Bestival.

“Then there comes a time when you suddenly think oh s*** we are quite a big band now - I’d better get some new clothes!”

But Peter still feels the best is yet to come.

“Now that we’ve got our Best Of done, it will be time to think about some new music which I’m looking forward to.

“Exciting times indeed. Long may it continue - onwards and upwards!”

n The Kooks play at the Bournemouth International Centre tonight at 8.45pm. Doors open at 7pm with support from DMA’s at 7.35pm.