LAST Saturday’s conundrum of gig choices was easily solved by just relaxing and letting circumstances prevail.

Not only did I see almost the whole of Saints Aid but, a late start at The Joiners, meant I could nip around and watch Birdpen pull off the gig of the year.

In total I saw 14 acts, most from the Southampton area, and all displaying a quality that makes you proud to be living in the region.

The Saints Aid line-up evolved naturally from musicians that wanted to save Southampton FC.

And within each band there were members who had seen memorable events in Saints’ history: triumphs against Manchester United loomed large.

The event was helped tremendously by the sound crew who turned the St Mary’s concourse of concrete, pillars and ducting into a venue that, after a while, seemed a natural home for music.

To single out any band would be unfair so it’s congratulations to Lee, Nick and the rest of the Saints Aid organisers, plus staff of SFC, who made Saints Aid such a success.

Following that feast of music I was hit by wave after wave of pulsating sound, produced in one glorious stream, courtesy of Birdpen.

They filled The Joiners with so much music I wouldn’t be surprised if the venue was now a little larger.

They took this headlining opportunity to lay down a marker of excellence and professionalism which will live long in the minds of the audience.

I feel blessed to have witnessed both events.