What is it they say? Start as you mean to go on? Well, that definitely applied to the start of the year. As 2014 made its appearance, I was to be found running around with a camera in hand, snapping photos of one of the best live acts in the country. If that is going to set the tone for my photography throughout the rest of the year then I'll be pretty happy about that!

To be honest, it wasn't quite what I was expecting to be doing during the final few hours of 2013. I was offered a last-minute ticket for the concert just a few days ago and the photopass wasn't actually confirmed until the day before.

For this special New Years Eve concert Bellowhead were performing at the Colston Hall in Bristol. The show was split into two parts so that the band could essentially play a warm-up set followed by another performance to span the New Year. The first hour, starting at 8.45pm, was more or less similar to their "normal" concerts - a bit of old, a bit of new but with an upbeat theme to keep the party revellers happy. It was a great set which I was able to enjoy from the photo pit throughout as the band were happy to forego the normal "three songs only" policy.

Returning to the stage at 11.30pm for their second hour the band had changed into their party clothes. This ranged from the sublime (silver suits and tuxedo's) to the somewhat ridiculous (psychadelic trousers, oversized glasses and wigs). Oh, and then there was Batman! This set was much more eclectic, containing covers of 90s pop songs and classic tracks mingled with their better known get-up-and-dance tracks. The atmosphere was amazing - everyone was having such a great time both onstage and off! A few minutes before midnight I managed to run up to the balcony in order to capture a few wider shots of the venue. Confetti cannons were fired and this was followed by a venue-wide rendition of Auld Lang Syne which was pretty special. Champagne was poured (and subsequently spilt) and the entire band displayed their ability to dance, sing AND play their instruments without missing a beat!

All in all it was an amazing night. Bellowhead were the perfect choice for the Colston Halls New Years Eve celebrations. The band were very obviously having a great time which meant that it was like there was a party going on onstage anyway, let alone throughout the rest of the venue! So here's to a happy new year! Lets see what 2014 will bring.