BLACKPOOL seafront is no stranger to unusual sights.

But one of Britain's top bands performing live and for free in between the tram tracks and the sea on a Sunday lunchtime must count as one of the more novel experiences.

Kaiser Chiefs took to a specially constructed stage with the Tower as a backdrop to celebrate being nominated for the best live act in the Vodaphone Live Music Awards.

And, every credit to them, the band's hour-long set was full of energy and purpose. There was certainly no going through the motions from the Leeds outfit.

Complemented by an excellent sound set up they ran through all the hit singles including I Predict a Riot, Oh My God and Ruby plus songs from both their albums.

Singer Ricky Wilson was on fine form, leaping around and getting the crowd warmed up as the wind whipped across the prom.

At one point he climbed the scaffolding around the stage during I Predict A Riot, much to the obvious concern of the stage crew.

Live, the songs have far more attack than on album and Modern Way and Angry Mob worked particularly well.

The secret' gig - the location was only announced the day before as part of the Vodaphone TBA series of gigs showcasing award nominees attracted a crowd of diehard fans and the curious.

But not one of them could have left disappointed as the Kaiser Chiefs clearly did like to be beside the seaside.