Much is made of the famous night in 1985 when millions stayed up after midnight to watch Dennis Taylor clinch the World Snooker Championship.

As his fellow legend Cliff Thorburn took to the table at the Brighton Centre, some in the audience wondered whether another epic late-night session was in store.

Instead, the 400 or so diehard fans were treated to an evening any lover of the green baize would enjoy.

Four exhibition matches were lit up by a blistering 127 break by John Parrott and the wit and charm of Taylor and host John Virgo.

Trick shot challenges, an auction of memorabilia and moving tributes to the late Alex Higgins and commentator Ted Lowe added laughter and some moments of reflection.

Jimmy White, greeted to familiar cries of “Go on, Jimmy”, won the tournament – the icing on the cake for all those who have rooted for him through the thrills and spills of his career.

On this occasion, though, snooker was the real winner.