It’s 3pm on a Tuesday when I catch up with a weary Frank Turner.

The singer songwriter has been touring like there’s no tomorrow of late, including three gigs in two days at Glastonbury Festival, and even back in his home town of Winchester he couldn’t resist the lure of another impromptu gig last night.

“It was the local pub’s music night where I was a regular as a youngster,” says the 28-year-old.

“I hadn’t been for a few years so I went and caught up with some old friends. I ended up being coaxed into playing a few songs. It was only in front of 12 people but that goes down as solo gig number 874.”

Since 2005 Frank has kept a log of all his solo gigs – an outlet for mild OCD and a way of seeing how his career has progressed.

Gig number 72 was Mr Kyps in Poole and gig number 868 was Wembley Stadium in support of Green Day.

Safe to say it’s all progressing rather well, Frank.

Since leaving the punk band Million Dead, Frank has been building up a cult following with his punk/folk, which is now firmly on the cusp of mainstream attention.

His second album Love, Ire & Song spawned the hit singles Long Live the Queen and Reasons Not to be an Idiot, while his third and current album, Poetry of the Deed, has already produced the hit single, The Road.

In the last three weeks Frank played at Wembley Stadium, Glastonbury and... The Railway Inn, Winchester.

“They all have their allures, but I just thoroughly enjoy playing to people,” laughs Frank when asked whether he prefers playing in arenas or down the local.

“Whether it’s two or three people, or several thousand, I don’t really think you can quantify how good a gig is by how many people are in attendance. There are so many other factors.

“However, Glastonbury was very special for me – I do love playing there and Billy [Bragg] was kind enough to invite me to play on his stage before him, which was an absolute honour.”

Frank has been described as a 21st Century Billy Bragg – a comparison he is more than happy to live with.

“I’ve been a big fan of Billy’s for years. I tell you, the day I got his mobile number I just didn’t know what to do. I was overjoyed. I was too nervous to phone it so I just texted him a short message to say I’d be delighted.”

If the queue out of Bragg’s Leftfield tent during Turner’s gig is anything to go by, then his stock is certainly rising.

I was among a lucky few who witnessed a more intimate Turner gig around the Strummerville camp fire in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“I really enjoyed doing that, although my memories of it are a little more hazy than the Leftfield gig,” he admits.

“The Strummerville people are dear friends of mine so I was happy to do that for them, and it’s a great atmosphere around that campfire.”

Glastonbury was only the start of Frank’s festival season, with a headline appearance at The Larmer Tree Festival, Tollard Royal near Salisbury on Thursday, next on the agenda.

“I’ve never done this festival before, but it’s kind of a local one for me,” says the Winchester born singer.

“It’s nice to be a headliner and have people coming to see you – there are some great names on the bill, so it’s a privilege.”

After making music, it’s clear from his extensive gig list that Frank’s next passion is travelling.

“A lot of my travels have been out of necessity for gigs, but I do love seeing the world.

“I have had times recently where I’ve travelled so much that I have woke up and thought, where am I? What time is it? What currency do I use today?

“Hong Kong is now my new favourite city – there’s just such a buzz about the place.”

In his latest music video, for The Road, Frank played 24 gigs in 24 hours.

“My god that was so tiring. The first few gigs and the last few gigs were fine because of the adrenaline, but the ones in the middle were very tough.

“I suppose I should try and top that for my next video. 24 cities in 24 hours? Hire a Helicopter? No, that would be ridiculous . . . and expensive!

“I am thinking of planning something big for the 1000th show though, whenever I reach that milestone.”

If Frank continues his prolific touring, that landmark show may not be far off.

• Frank Turner plays gig number 878 at The Larmer Tree Festival on Thursday July 15.