'VE been spending a fair amount of time up north this week.

Arrived in Manchester on Tuesday morning for the Charlatans gig at the University that night.

It was a bit of a secret "do" and I only found out where it was at the last minute. I was interviewing the band for T4 and, seeing as I've been a huge fan of theirs since Adam was a lad, I was really looking forward to the whole thing.

I interviewed Tim Burgess and the rest of the band before they went on stage and they were their usual affable selves.

The gig itself was brilliant. Loads of classics, a couple of new ones -- absolutely excellent (the interview's going to be shown on T4 on August 4) and everyone looked like they were having a great time.

Tess had travelled up to Manchester with me and we met up with a few of my mates at the gig before all going back to the Lowry Hotel's bar for some light refreshment.

It wasn't long before the Charlatans put in an appearance, along with Terry Christian and former Happy Mondays/Black Grape maraca dancer, Bez.

Needless to say, quite a few small sherries were quaffed and a grand time was had by all.

Isn't rock and roll grand?

I stayed at the Lowry on Saturday night -- couldn't get to my mum and dad's in Bolton, sorry mum, but I'll see you soon, promise -- and then on Wednesday it was over to Old Trafford Cricket Ground for the Move Festival.

Then back down to London before I head over to Brighton tomorrow where I'm introducing Fat Boy Slim who's doing a turn on the beach. I've never met him before so I'm looking forward to that.