1 SUPER FURRY ANIMALS

What better time to see the life-affirming Furries, not least given their unfailing excellence in a live setting. (See feature, page 16). Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 (www.southbankcentre.co.uk 0871 6632500), New Year’s Eve

2 TAKE THAT, SUGABABES

The resurgent That cap a triumphant year while Sugababes should make light work of placating the throng with their great big sack of hits. O2 Arena, Millennium Way, SE10 (www.theo2.co.uk 0871 2200260), New Year’s Eve

3 THE BONZO DOG DOO DAH BAND

What chance an appearance from studio collaborators Ade Edmonson, Stephen Fry or Phill Jupitus on this live return? Shepherds Bush Empire, Shepherds Bush Green, W12 (www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk 0844 4772000), Sat Dec 22

4 THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN

Once people turn up to see the only ukulele-based covers band in Europe, they tend to return. Find out why. Toynbee Studios, Commercial Street, E1 (020-7650 2350), Sat Dec 22

5 OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

Simon Fowler remains one of the more underrated songwriters of the mid90s, and live his group pack a mighty punch. Astoria, Charing Cross Road, WC2 (www.meanfiddler.com 020-8963 0940), Sat Dec 22

For more gigs in your area, timesonline.co.uk/gigs