THE evening got off to a great start with a set from ex-Lighthouse Family frontman Tunde, who obviously still has a large fan-base as this was the busiest I have seen the BIC for a support act for a long time.

The crowd were treated to a mixture of Lighthouse Family and more recent solo tracks that all went down well and set the mood for the rest of the evening.

This may be their first tour in eight years but M People hit the stage running and delivered hit after hit to a crowd that could not stay off their feet. Founder member Mike Pickering may not have been there but the gorgeous Heather Small (and no-less gorgeous) Paul Heard and Shovell, along with a seven piece band, put on a show that will have fans hoping they don’t have to wait another eight years to see them again.

The band looked to be having a great time and this enthusiasm transferred to the audience as they seemed to play the majority of their 20 top 20 hits. Heather Small has one of the best voices around and after 20 years she still hits every note perfectly. There are always many discussions as to who is the best front man around and Heather should be right near the top of that list (apart from the man bit of course).

How Can I Love You More ended the main set and although we knew they would be back I had heard so many great songs I couldn’t think of a hit that they could play when they did reappear. Come back they did for a short encore including Itchicoo Park and they finished with Moving On Up.

That must be the sign of a great band and a great night when they can play Search For The Hero, One Night In Heaven, How Can I Love You More and Sight For Sore Eyes mid set and still have songs of that quality to finish with!