We arrived at the Magnesia Bank just before 7pm and seats were at a premium as we walked in. Grabbing a seat with friends, there was an atmosphere of excitement and expectation in the room. Around 8pm Steve Daggett took to the stage, welcomed us all to the night, and went into in his own words 'the only window cleaners song I know, apart from George Formby'. Thankfully we were spared Mr Formby as Steve launched into 'Country Gentleman's Wife' to open the proceedings.

He then introduced Simma, a singer/songwriter and lifelong fan of Alan, who launched into a three song set, the highlight being the crowd singing along so early in the night to 'January Song' leaving the stage to great applause.

His place was taken on stage by Michael and Rachel Bailey who launched into a superb version of 'United States of Mind', they were joined for their final number 'A Mystery Play' by Mark Anderson. Again, like Simma, they left the stage to warm applause.

The Attention Seekers were up next with a superb set the highlight being a great version of Marshall Reily's Army, that amazed everyone sitting near us and left us wanting more.

The nights special guests then took to the stage, Dave Hull-Denholm and Ian Thomson from the final line up of Lindisfarne, whose four number set featured a couple of songs that Dave had sang on the Lindisfarne farewell gig at the Opera House just over a year before - Winter Song and One More Bottle of Wine. The songs were certainly striking a chord with the audience both musically and emotionally as we went into the break.

The auction was soon in full swing, the items being quality rather than quantity, and surpassing what most people though they would fetch. We also all raised our glasses to toast the man whose memory we had assembled to honour.

We got it as the Steve Dagget Trio took to he stage launching into All fall Down and the only non-Alan Hull composition of the night, Steve's own tribute to Alan 'Mandolin Moon'. Drums and electric guitar were added to the trio who then became The Magus Band to finish off the night with five more songs including 'Numbers (Travelling Band) and a song of Alan's not to get too much airplay because of it's content - 'Malvinas Melody'. They were joined for the final number of the night by John (from the Attention Seekers) and Simma for a rousing version of 'We can Swing Together'.

It was a fantastic night, which I believe the audience would have sat listening to the musicians through till daybreak if it had been possible. It was a privilege to be there.