Onwards to Newcastle and the city Hall, Mark's hometown and one of the favourites of the tour.

Once again, a difficult load-in for the boys in the crew. I'm always in awe of just how they manage to squeeze our production into this tiny auditorium. In fact several compromises are made, my keyboard riser is chopped in half to accommodate Glenn's guitar station. Indeed, one of the Reinhardt amps sits atop my leslie cab. I had to be mindful of the large gap which was perilously close to my chair legs. One slip and it could end in tears. The lights were a bit cut-down again but hopefully it didn't detract too much from what turned out to be a magical show. Well, it always is here.

 A quick run-through a tune not normally in the set.

Mark is a patron of a wonderful charity called Brave Hearts and today's meet and greet was specially arranged in the band dressing room for a very brave lad. 9 year old Bradley Downes has been diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer and Mark presented him with a Brave Hearts award.

Please visit Bradley's fund website for all the information and if you think you may be able to help with donations or fundraising events.

Mike Humeniuk took this pic of the audience during the show. It really shows just how small this venue is.

The after show party in the bar of the city hall was attended by many of our mates including Brendan Croker and Steve Phillips. Also, supremely catered by Steve, and the boys with plates of sushi, steak in satay, samosas and some amazing deep fried vegetable 'thingys'

Here's Pete with Phil Dowson from the Newcastle Falcons and his lovely girlfriend Charlotte.

After the city hall, the band rolled up at the Grey Street hotel en masse, and it was decided that we all retire to the bar for a nightcap as the rooms here are tiny, whereupon Richard decided it was necessary to show the barman how to make a proper Gin Martini.