Nu-folk star Seth Lakeman played a special Q The Music Club gig last night (26 March) for just 150 fans and competition winners – on his 32nd birthday.

Showcasing songs from his upcoming fourth album Poor Man’s Heaven, the fiddle-toting troubadour was interrupted several times during his 60-minute performance by fans singing Happy Birthday. In sharp contrast with folk music’s stuffy, fol-de-rol reputation, the gig was a raucous and celebratory affair, marked by beer-spraying and mass pogoing.

It took place at central London private members’ club The Hospital, which had the previous night played host to a disastrous live performance by Peaches Geldof. Fortunately, caterwauling socialites were thin on the ground at Lakeman’s gig, which drew a predominantly female crowd, interspersed with the odd silver-haired trad-folk fan.

Dressed casually in grey T-shirt and blue jeans, Lakeman took to the stage backed by his three-piece band, including brother Sean on guitar. As well as songs from the new album, he aired a few old favourites, such as Kitty Jay, from 2004’s Mercury-nominated album of the same name, which he performed solo, accompanying himself only with a kick-drum foot pedal.

You’ll be able to hear highlights from Lakeman’s Q The Music performance on Q Radio in April. Listen to Q Radio at Freeview 716, Virgin Media 878, Sky Digital Channel 0181. You can also stream Q Radio here at Q4music.com.

Poor Man’s Heaven is due for release in May on Relentless.