On the first night of The Great Escape, Brighton always comes to life.

Yellow lanyards festoon necks and logoed tote bags swing from every shoulder. European and American accents mingle in the queues.

Outside the Brighton Dome, the excitement was palpable as ticket holders flicked through their schedules and called to meet their friends.

But even in a weekend that’s full of exciting new talent, Kate Tempest’s show was a hot ticket.

Tempest is in her late 20s but looks much younger; it’s her raw, considered lyrics that betray an older soul.

She’s famed for her skilful and heartfelt delivery, and didn’t disappoint at the Brighton Dome.

Featuring a set of poetry from her new collection, Hold Your Own, and later, a set with her band mostly from new album Everybody Down, this was a full evening of inspired, impassioned poetry.

Tempest was exceptionally professional and her delivery was natural and smooth, with a tempered rhythm that has brought her so many fans.

The widely-acclaimed George The Poet and Hollie McNish also performed to an audience who were alternately respectfully awed and feverishly applauding. Strong, thoughtful and original, this was a night that rightly inspired hundreds.

Five stars