I saw Aberfeldy last week who, despite being local to me, I first heard on the September 2006 Word CD. They were playing a showcase gig in Edinburgh and they finished up with Chris De Burgh's "A Spaceman Came Travelling" and Shakin' Stevens's "Merry Christmas Everyone" (which I missed, had to get the last bus home).

For my money however they were surpassed by their solo support act Donna Macioca who finished with Maria Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" complete with sleigh bells (supplied by Aberfeldy's drummer Murray Briggs), ukelele (played by Donna) and multi tracked backing vocals a la KT Tunstall looper (it must be a Scottish female singer thing) - excellent stuff.

As this festive season progresses who have you been to see who has taken this approach to their encore, be it seriously or ironically, and did you enjoy it?

NB as a postcript this gig encompassed the last few months Word blogs for me with 6ft plus punters in my line of vision (just move a little left or right and you will be OK), incessant chatter during the set (if you're not interested go into the bar it's behind you!) and ukelele as a lead instrument (has Mr Ellen started a trend?).