From charming churches to community halls, Melting Vinyl have been keeping Brighton's music scene perky with interesting gigs in unusual locations for ten years.

Considering the demise of so many local venues, the fickle nature of audiences and the money-grabbing tendencies of the London-centric music industry, this was a birthday worth celebrating in style.

And what better style than a gig in a surprising new venue starring Melting Vinyl regulars Herman Dune?

Performing without his brother Andre, who left the band to pursue a solo career, but with his little sister Lisa Li-Lund, David-Ivar Herman Dune was a vision of beardiness against the plush splendour of The Old Ship's ballroom.

Framed by an arch of red velvet curtains and Regency wallpaper, these hugely underrated folk-poppers appeared like jigging marionettes at a ramshackle puppet theatre.

Difficult to pigeon hole but easy to love, Herman Dune enjoyed the biggest wave of adoration during the deliciously catchy I Wish That I Could See You Soon, the first single from new album Giant.

Although the performance lacked David's fluffy pink bear hat from the adorable video by Toben Seymour, the single was a joyful rendition of what will be my song of the summer. See the video at hermandune.com.