Alongside their own hits the Irish band treated the fans to a Queen medley, which opened and closed with classic Bohemian Rhapsody, and it proved one of the highlights of the concert.

The 1990s group, which reformed in 2007, put on a great show at the MEN Arena on Friday night as they approach the end of their UK summer tour.

Purists may baulk but it was unashamedly pure pop and the crowd was clearly wowed, with pyrotechnics, an amazing set and high wire antics thrown in.

Early on the vocals were somewhat swamped by the music but this seemed to be rectified as the show progressed.

It was an energetic performance enhanced by the tireless female dancers.

Former Coronation Street star Keith Duffy did much of the talking and connected well with the Manchester audience, particularly when he told them: "You people are very like the Irish, you know. You're very welcoming, you like a drink and you like to fun."

But the biggest cheers of the night were kept for lead singer Ronan Keating and the band's best-selling single, No Matter What.

One lucky fan, who won a pre-show text competition, got the chance to get up on stage and meet band members Ronan, Keith, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch.

For the encore, the group "flew" over the screaming fans onto a small stage in the middle of the arena where they performed several more songs, including Words and Baby Can I Hold You.

Your last chance to see the band in Manchester on their latest tour is Saturday night at the same venue.