On one side of the stage, a group of people wearing caps, baggy t-shirts and hoodies; on the other, some rather impressive arrays of facial hair.

For the battle of MCs against poets, there were really no introductions needed.

The contrast between the styles of the two teams was clear during the opening section of the evening, which saw members from either side perform short showpieces - the MCs were joined by a beatboxer, while the poets considered topics such as David Bowie and pre-gig anxiety.

Despite the potential for the swift changes between styles to disrupt the flow of the gig, the wit of the performers and a hugely positive and very large audience kept the energy levels high throughout.

The second half began with a group performance from the MCs, including a frighteningly talented and unfazed couple of teenage performers.

That set the stage for the 'battle', with both sides mocking opposition team members, offences made from previous years of the event's 13-year history, and perceived tropes of MCing and poetry. Guns, quinoa, and having to write down words rather than remembering them were all skewered.

In the end, the winner was the clock, after the show overran and a hasty exit was required before one team could be declared victorious. Nevertheless, the crowd left happy.

Four stars