‘You’re going to another gathering of 60s oldies?” friends say, aghast. Yes, and, having been to a fair few, I can genuinely say that this was the best I’ve seen. The mixture of artists was less predictable than usual and all four of the main acts worked their socks off to give the audience what they’d come to hear: proper versions of famous hits.

Three of them were household names: Brian Poole, Chris Montez and Peter Noone. The fourth, Brian Hyland, should always be a ‘PS’ in any history of 1960s pop because of Sealed With a Kiss — which received the longest awe-struck applause of any hit of the night. He was the revelation (at a ridiculously trim 69), with a magnificent version of Bruce Channel’s Hey Baby, some very tight rock ’n’ roll and a US No. 3 from 1970, Gypsy Woman, which I had completely forgotten and is excellent.

Poole had kicked the evening off in rousing form — everyone bar none was up and baying along with Twist and Shout, and then swooning at Someone. He also gave more than the usual local nod by saying he remembered performing at Brize Norton in 1958.

Chris Montez — well, well! He toured with the Beatles and sang Let’s Dance with just as much gusto last week as he did way back then. His version of Ritchie Valens’s Donna was beautifully done, as were some really very good guitar solos. He remains a very cool and friendly professional.

After Hyland came Peter Noone who looked exactly as one might have hoped he would at 64. With little interplay bar cheeky-chappie smiles, he charmed every woman in the audience with a very professional, and well-sung, performance of the Herman’s Hermits hits. There is a blandness, but there was also an anthemic My Sentimental Friend.

All four artists were backed by the group Vanity Fare, whose lead guitarist Eddie Wheeler was superb.