Bloc Party play The Old Fire Station

Indie rock band Bloc Party wowed a sold-out Bournemouth University audience at The Old Firestation.

The popular four-piece played the students' union venue as a warm up gig for their national tour, which started on 24 January.

The band has a definite Bournemouth link in drummer Matt Tong, who grew up and went to school in the town.

Matt’s recent illness forced Bloc Party to cancel a number of shows during their US tour at the end of last year but his return to health sees the band playing 26 dates in the UK to promote the release of their new album A Weekend in the City.

Matt said: "It's good to be home and playing in front of home people..

Bloc Party drummer Matt Tong and singer Kele Okereke

Matt Tong, left: "I'm very excited The Old Fire Station exists so kids can see bands they usually only see on TV."

The Old Fire Station, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, has an established reputation as one of the best student union venues in the country (BEDA Nominated 2004).

Situated in a listed fire station building near the town centre of Bournemouth, TOFS offers a unique atmosphere and an unrivalled diversity of events, attracting people from across the south coast.

In recent years TOFS has attracted some big names for live events, including The Ordinary Boys, Electric Six, Hard-Fi, Athlete, The Levellers, 2ManyDJs, and Kano.