The first big gig of the year took place at the Thekla last night, as hotly-tipped Delphic played to a packed house.

The beginning of any new year is full of lists of ‘the next big things’, often self-fulfilling lists compiled by people in the music industry who then heavily promote the ones-to-watch on their radio shows, in their magazines etc.

One of the most talked about lists is the BBC Sounds Of 2010, “compiled using tips from 165 critics, bloggers and broadcasters, aims to highlight the most exciting emerging artists”.

Their top five – three of which are performing in Bristol in the next few months – is as follows:

1) Ellie Goulding (playing at the Thekla on March 25)

2) Marina and the Diamonds (playing at the Cooler on January 22)

3) Delphic

4) Hurts

5) The Drums (playing at the Academy on February 14)