IN my head, XFM's Winter Wonderland was going to be a bit like being at a festival, and in some ways it was; a line-up of quality artists to enjoy in a short space of time.

The main difference was that when you're stood in a crowd watching an act at a festival, the vast majority have an interest in the band they are watching.

Without meaning to sound too David Brent, the strength of the event at Manchester's Apollo was also it's weakness.

A hymn sheet featuring eight artists inevitably meant some of the audience had only turned up to see a few of them, one even.

The result was even when a rock star as iconic to Manchester as Courteeners frontman Liam Fray came onstage for a 15 minute slot, most of the circle didn't seem to know who he was, or recognise his music.

Each to their own and all that, but it made for a strange atmosphere as fans below in standing sang along to 'Bide Your Time', 'Please Don't' and 'Not Nineteen Forever', the circle, if not silent, was full, mainly of people talking loudly, or walking around - not conducive to concentrating on the music.

When headliner Ben Howard's set began, the venue was packed, waiting.

His decision to only play songs from second album 'I Forget Where We Were' during the 45 minute slot was a risk, and it probably didn't pay off.

Facing a mixed crowd, it would have been best to at least throw in a few of your better known singles from Mercury Prize-nominated first album 'Every Kingdom'.

It was the fourth time I've seen Howard, and the emphasis has shifted from flair-filled folk singer to something more experimental.

His band has doubled in size, here silhouetted by spotlights placed at the back of stage and shining into the crowd.

If the effect was supposed to be an atmospheric illusion of mystery to go alongside the pensive songwriting of tracks like 'Small Things' or 'Conrad', it felt a bit odd.

There's no doubt Howard's shift in approach is worth an investment from existing fans, but it didn't appear to be a resounding hit with the uninitiated. By the halfway stage, pockets of people were on their way.

Despite the inconsistencies, there was still a lot to enjoy.

Llandudno-based band Catfish and the Bottlemen rocked it from start to finish, their brand of indie rock perfect to stamp your feet to even if you didn't know it, be it with 'Pacifier', 'Cocoon', or 'Fallout'.

Former Doves member Jimi Goodwin was all nostalgic charm, while you wonder why George Ezra, armed with a beaming smile and upbeat, punchy, folk only got 15 minutes.

Circa Waves and Bear's Den showed why a big 2015 is expected of both, but the decision to award Wild Beasts the second biggest slot was another puzzlement.

As edgy and original as it is, their synth-lead sound didn't fit with the rest of the line-up, a final oddity in a night that despite being fun, didn't quite work.