IF there was ever something to warm you up on a chilly night and get you in the Christmas spirit this was it.

The temperature quickly rose inside The Railway last night when Starsailor frontman James Walsh wandered through a waiting crowd, took to the stage and strummed the first notes on his guitar.

In one of the most intimate settings there is, it was like watching a private gig with friends in your own front room.

For those who have never before ventured to this fabulous venue, which prides itself on showcasing a wide ranging catalogue of music and entertainment, it brings a whole new meaning for real fans to enjoy live music at its best - up close and personal.

And didn’t the beautifully toned Mr Walsh know it – especially when he briefly considered his chances of leaving the stage and returning for an encore before realising he didn’t stand a chance.

After belting out some of his classics including Good Souls, Lullaby, Alcoholic and Tell Me It’s Not Over he gave his delighted audience some of his newer stuff like the lovely The Better Part of Me.

There were also a few surprise treats in store, as James broke out into his own rendition of Daft Punk’s Get Lucky before later getting everyone in the festive mood with a sing-along to Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody.

The ever gracious and unassuming James repeatedly thanked his fans for their woops and cheers, with one of the biggest laughs of the night coming when he told how in, most of his gigs, he would leave the stage with the hope of being clapped back on for a few more.

But the cosy set up at The Railway meant it simply wasn’t an option – there was nowhere for him to go unless he chose to run the gauntlet though a lively crowd who simply wanted more.

So more he gave, finishing with a cracking version of Silence Is Easy before heading out to the bar where he enjoyed a pint of Guinness and chatted to those who had made the journey to see him.

James Walsh left the comfort of his band behind and set out to live and breathe being a singer songwriter – and he’s doing it brilliantly, but we expected nothing less.