Huge crowds at day one of The Music Show

"From the moment the doors were opened at 10am, the crowds were flooding in," Music Show co-ordinator Mark Hogan told hotpress.com. "There was a fantastic atmosphere, with packed rooms at all of the events. We are thrilled with the response."

On the live stage, The Blizzards kick-started the day with a thrilling set, and they were followed by Declan O'Rourke, Cathy Davey, Ham Sandwich and Fionn Regan.

In the middle of all that Rage drummer Mike Terrana gave an astonishing virtuoso performance, to a full house.

"The panels were great. It was really gratifying to see full houses, with people hanging on every word from the likes of Neil Jordan, Dave Robinson of Stiff Records and Julie Feeney," Hogan added. "Similarly in the masterclass area, where Henry McCullough and Fiachna O Braonáin gave a fantastic lesson in guitar magic."

The winners of the Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year were announced with Vicar Street winning the overall award, as voted by the readers of Hot Press. Special awards were given to Cypress Avenue in Cork and The Stables in Mullingar, who also polled exceptionally well.

The Music Show continues tomorrow, Sunday 5, with doors opening at 11am. Among the highlights will be an appearance by Sharon Corr, on a panel with Mick Pyro of Republic of Loose, Ronan Hardiman and producer Dave Odlum, entitled "Songs Should Have Some Bloody Meaning!"

On the live stage, highlights include The Coronas, Republic of Loose and Damien Dempsey, while the first seminar of the day features HP snappers Graham Keogh, Naomi McArdle and Dave Hingerty revealing the secrets of rock photography at 12 noon.