A packed house roared local heroes and unlikely superstars the Levellers back onto the Brighton stage.

With the sound of Celtic drums beating behind them, the band emerged at Concorde 2 to play the first of four English gigs celebrating their 20th year together.

Time clearly has not dimmed their spirit. This gig was played with the up-tempo energy which became the trademark of the band's folk-punk rock style.

Fiddler John Sevink was at his skilful best, setting a frantic pace. The crowd swayed and jumped along from the outset after support act Three Daft Monkeys had set the atmosphere.

Simon Friend's quickfire lyrics blurred together before the band exploded into some of the great sing-along anthems of their career. The 90 minute set's stand-out moments included What A Beautiful Day, The Boatman and Carry Me, while the highlight of the show was One Way - which the band performed accompanied by a didgeridoo player who bore a remarkable resemblance to Gene Simmons.

One encore was not enough to satisfy the devoted fans so the band emerged for a second time, with Three Daft Monkeys alongside them.

Drug charity Release, Rwandan child support group Ryico and libertarian social club The Cowley Club in Brighton all stand to benefit from the Levellers' fine performance.