First up The Groundhogs, whose set was warmly appreciated by the almost capacity crowd.

It has to be said that their slot was, bar one exception, fairly well removed from the blues-influenced music for which they were originally famous.

Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash however was a different kettle of fish with searing guitar work and splendid vocal harmonies.

Their highlights were the mini version of their magnum opus Argus featuring the track Warrior and their last number – the band's tour de force, Phoenix.

Focus, from Holland, showed their great jazz influences and with no vocals as such to distract, the knowing audience gave the band their utmost attention.

The musicianship of the quartet was without equal and legendary guitarist Jan Akkerman was not missed.

Portly Thjis Van Leer was a revelation on organ, and on one occasion was seen to be playing both it and flute at the same time!

A bit of light-hearted numerical confusion came when Thjis announced that they had just played Focus Three and Focus Two as one piece and then followed it up with a track called Focus Seven from the new album Focus Nine!

The lengthy and varied Eruption was followed by the massive hit Sylvia and the band concluded a fantastic evening with Hocus Pocus.

It was over all too soon.

Martin Hutchinson