Personal

10 August, 1 August

My favourite gig of last year was on 10 August.

Today's Time Out carries an advert for Kathryn Williams' next gig. Although my instant reaction was to check the date, I now don't think I'll go. I don't think it could eclipse 10 August.

In 2002 I watched over sixty films at the cinema, but went to no gigs. In 2003 I wanted to redress the balance. I succeeded: I took in perhaps ten concerts, three or four art galleries and a couple of theatrical productions.

But of all these, Kathryn Williams stands out.

It was a hot Sunday in the middle of the summer. We drove to Regents Park with the roof down and the radio on. We ate on Baker Street and walked through the park to the open-air theatre. As the stars and mosquitoes spun around, a fragile voice caressed the crowd. The most beautiful evening of the summer.

An evening of music and friendship. One of those times where the long drive home had to be completed in silence: no music could follow.

This all came flooding back to me on a cold morning in March as I flicked through the pages of a weekly magazine. Memories delivered to the doorstep. Magnificent.

(I've just noticed Kate Rusby's playing there on 1 August this year. Is this about to become an annual event for me? Anyone want to join me?)