Twenty years ago a concert featuring all the best pop acts of the day would have been named the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, named after the famous pop music magazine of the day. With the demise of the traditional music press, the gauntlet for showcasing the best in current pop music has been passed down to radio stations, which, despite the arrival of social media, are still paramount in promoting popular music – and, to a certain extent, breaking through new artists.

The Hit Radio network of radio stations, who broadcast across the country and have a strong following in the north, held their annual pop extravaganza at the humongous 23,500-capacity music venue, Co-op Live in Manchester, to an enthusiastic audience.

Not this; this was in any way going to be a staid affair with a line-up that featured an array of top acts whose music has been frequently playlisted by the radio station, who aim to play the biggest hits alongside the biggest throwbacks.

Fresh from his recent tour celebrating fifteen years of success, Olly Murs arrived on stage with the infectious enthusiasm and positivity that has become his trademark. Like Robbie Williams – an artist Murs has supported in the past – both are born entertainers.

Dance With Me Tonight was as buoyant as ever; his recent foray into ska music territory via his new album Knees Up and accompanying single Save Me might slightly sink his ship with his fanbase, though by the time he asked, “Are there any troublemakers in the house in Manchester tonight?” by way of introduction to Troublemaker, his mission of pop perfection was back on course.

With a performance that was as polished as the shoes of the King’s Guard, Sugababes provided some pop throwbacks such as Too Lost in You and About You Now, with the new single Shock seemingly being as catchy as the flu. The three-piece have been performing live for over fifteen years now, and it showed with a set that was slick, stylish and sensual. Naturally, Push the Button did exactly that as the audience, many of whom might not have even been born when the track was released, sang back the song in harmony.

He might have been away from the pop platform for a few years, though this did not stop Tinie Tempah from reminding everyone what a good set of hits he had under his belt; Miami 2 Ibiza was as hot as its namesake, whilst the new single Energy felt like Tempah had never been away.

Recovering from a recent bout of flu did not stop Ella Henderson from displaying one of the best vocal performances of the evening; Ghost was as haunting as ever, whilst Alibi was arresting and assured. “It’s great to be back up in the north,” said the Lincolnshire-born singer at the end of a commanding set.

Craig David dropped his regular touring band for his other guise as a DJ with his TS5 mix of dance tracks mixed in with his own repertoire. Walking Away provided a soulful note, whilst Seven Days has now become his signature tune. Slipping in a reference to his tie-up with Just Eat, David left the audience with a smile on their faces with a set where there was something to take away for everyone.

Myles Smith is one of the biggest new artists to emerge this year; unlike any other artists on show tonight, eighteen months ago Smith was an unknown. His track Nice to Meet You remains one of the most played songs on the radio this year. The commercial song crosses all ages with a chorus that even the milkman could whistle.