The twelve-strong party, consisting of a variety of ages, background and cultures showed how the wonderful thing called music can unite people together. Traffic congestion around West Yorkshire brought a delayed start, but spirits (in more ways than one!) remained high throughout the journey, which saw us finally board our ferry at 6-30pm, a smooth if bracing sailing of 35 minutes, followed by a five minute drive took us to our hotel.

After dinner, the search began for some “Live” music. Eventually we found “The Argyle Arms” where the locals proved friendly and the owner Robin Patrick proved to be a very versatile and accomplished musician, playing keyboards, lead guitar, accordion and the bagpipes, in a set which lasted four hours, dancing took place in the true D & D tradition, with one of our group completing his Strictly Ballroom application form as he danced.

Returning to our Hotel at 1-30, tired but anticipating an excellent weekend. Saturday saw many of the group set out on various walks in the beautiful scenery, or relaxing on an island, where time seems to have ground to a standstill 30 years ago, one police officer looks after the graffiti-free, litter-free island where respect for people and possessions are all important.

Saturday night and it was back to the “Argyle” and another four hour set, covering a varied and enjoyable range of music, this included a set from Dave of our party playing his cittern, much to the delight of the locals. Sunday morning brought a guided (?) tour of the Island, where we had to take the word of the guide, that landmarks or wildlife where there, but obscured, one passenger quipped “I've never seen so many unseen things!”, this all made for a jovial and light-hearted trip before a walk around the deserted Rothesay, which transported us back to UK Sundays of our childhood, with no supermarkets or DIY stores to visit or endure.

Our last evening was spent at the Black Bull hostelry and enabled our group to bond even further, as musical tales where exchanged. An early start and with fine weather again prevailing we arrived back to Leeds 5-00pm Monday tea-time, weary but high after a wonderful four days of friendship, good humor and a few drinks along the way!

“When friends meet, hearts warm”.

Today, the artist playing in the music room at the back of the pub is Kwame. D, a singer-songwriter from Ghana, now based in Leeds. Performing songs the audience can relate to, Kwame starts our musical day off well. A twenty minute walk takes us to the New Roscoe which, with the influence of legendary Leeds music promoter John Keenan, has live music every evening plus Sunday afternoons. The pub showcases local bands plus many excellent tribute bands, as well as 1960s icons such as Chris Farlowe.

This Sunday afternoon, the place rocks with Wakefield-based “The Welsh T Band”. You can see why this band took the 2005 Colne Blues Festival by storm with their high powered blues / rock renditions. Another ten minute stroll takes us to a quieter gig, at the Duck and Drake, close to the famous Leeds Kirkgate Market. The “Duck” is a throw back to the old days of a city center pub, where regulars gather. Image-wise, it is as far from the glitzy wine bars and restaurants of city center Leeds you could find, but is now becoming one of Leeds' most popular music venues.

Yorkshire's answer to James Blunt is playing in the form of Shaun T Hunter, a singer-songwriter who gives his audience a performance in a homely, friendly atmosphere that leaves the punter feeling guilty, for not having to pay an entrance fee. This is grass roots entertainment that surely deserves a wider audience.

To finish a musical Sunday, we visit the HI-FI Club. Situated towards the Corn Exchange, it is a venue easily missed due to its innocuous frontage - a simple door takes you downstairs to a club which is frequented by all races and creeds, giving a multi-cultural feel to an inspiring venue which proves that music can overcome any type of boundaries or prejudice.

The return of sax legend Snake Davis to Leeds ensures a full venue. Snakie, who has toured the world with M. People, Pet Shop Boys and Jim Diamond, to name but a few, returns on a regular basis to the city where he studied music at the Leeds College of Music. I for one can remember him busking in the Leeds city center while he was a student.

As usual, Snake Davis gives a stunning performance, including an incredible version of Elvis's “Suspicious Minds”, which brings the house down. Truly fantastic end at midnight, which concludes a ten-hour day of live music brilliance.