THERE was a clear buzz around Northwich last night as The Charlatans played the first of their four homecoming gigs at Memorial Court – part of the 10-day North by Northwich festival.

The night started with an ‘in conversation with’ event at The Harlequin Theatre, in which frontman Tim Burgess talked all things Charlatans, record stores, and of course, Northwich, with journalist Simon Binns.

The excitement built across the town as Winsford band Deja Vega rocked a packed out Salty Dog, while former Primal Scream vocalist Denise Johnson performed an acoustic set at The Salthouse.

Crowds from all three events then came together to meet at Memorial Court to witness The Charlatans take to the stage in Northwich for the first time since 1990.

“What a day, night, week,” said Tim Burgess. “The whole town has been buzzing. There’s such a positive vibe around. We loved the gig from start to finish. The Memorial Court is such a fantastic venue.”

“And The Harlequin Theatre. What a place. So many people have asked if we can do North By Northwich every year. There’s so much love around for what’s happening.”

The crowd was treated to fan favourites such as One to Another, Weirdo, and Come Home Baby among many more and were even given a treat, being the first live audience to hear a new single which is due to be released.

Ending, as always, with the locally-named anthem Sproston Green, the crowd were left spilling out on Chesterway wanting more.

And some of them will be getting just that.

The North by Northwich festival continues with a Charlatans Quiz at the Salty Dog from 7pm tonight, before three more Charlatans gigs at Memorial court on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

See the full schedule of events yet to come below:

Tuesday, May 15

Charlatans quiz with Chris Hawkins plus special guests at The Salty Dog. Doors at 7pm.

Wednesday, May 16

The Charlatans at Memorial Court. Doors at 7pm.

Yucatan at The Salty Dog. Doors at 7pm.

Martin Blunt DJ set at Retros. Starts at midnight.

Dave Haslam in conversation with Gary Neville. Barons Quay.

Dirty Laces and Charlatans Disco. Witton Chimes, from 7pm to midnight.

Denise Johnson at The Salthouse. On Stage at 8pm.

Thursday, May 17

The Charlatans at Memorial Court. Doors at 7pm.

Average Sex at The Salty Dog. Doors at 7pm.

Tim Burgess DJ set at Retros. Starts at midnight.

The Mysterines and Charlatans Disco. Witton Chimes, from 7pm to midnight.

Friday, May 18

The Charlatans at Memorial Court. Doors at 7pm.

BMX Bandits at The Salty Dog. Doors at 7pm.

Clint Boon DJ set at Retros. Starts at Midnight.

ShadowParty at The Plaza. On stage at 8pm.

Sound City Satellite with evening sets from Josh Goddard, The Zangwills, Red Rum Club, and Timo from the Tea Street. Midday to 9pm.

Live music at The Gladstone Club. Hello Cosmos, The Luka State, Fuzzy Sun, Souls, Control of the Going, Paper Buoys, The 99 Degree, and Circus Wolves. Starts at 3pm.

Deja Vega, plus live screening on The Charlatans Memorial Court gig, and Charlatans Disco. Witton Chimes, from 7pm to midnight.

Saturday, May 19

Riding the Low at The Salty Dog. Doors at 7pm.

The Two Shot Podcast live with Paddy Considine. Odeon Cinema, 2.45pm.

The Two Shot Podcast live with Dave Haslam. Barons Quay, 1pm.

Odeon exclusive showings. Bunch of Kunst, Journeyman and Metropolis re-score.

The Slow Readers Club plus Tom Mouse Smith. Northwich Library, doors at 7pm.

Vinyl Adventures Record Fair featuring Hello Moon with Professor Tim O’Brien, Tim Book Two with Tim Burgess, Dave Haslam DJ Set, Richard Youngs and Tony Walsh. The Plaza, 4pm to 8pm.

Sunday, May 20

The Blinders at The Salty Dog. 8pm.

Vinyl Adventures Record Fair. The Plaza, 10am to 6pm.

May 10 to 20

Charlatans exhibition at Barons Quay.

Pick up your copy of the special edition North by Northwich Guardian, guest edited by Tim Burgess, in shops now.