Many years ago, before I moved to Liverpool, I used to dream of coming to the Mathew Street Festival.
Then when I became an 'adopted scouser' five years ago, that dream became a reality.
We all know it's not quite the same thing year, with no stages visible in the streets.
But when I walked down Mathew Street on my way to the Echo offices a short time ago, I couldn't help but smile because there was still a buzz in the air.
The unmistakable sounds of the Fab Four boomed from Flanagan's.
There were gangs of people wielding cameras or sporting T-shirts with logos such as the supporters of Black Bird from Hungary.
Further up towards the Cavern a three piece were strumming Please Please Me, while a rather chubby Beatle-a-like tribute band (reminding me of John Lennon in his brandy alexander phase) were going in, or possibly coming out from, the Cavern Pub.
I hope this weekend is a success. I hope everyone has a good time, that there are no punch ups or upsets or the like.
And I hope in 2008 we are back out in the streets, chubby Fab Four look-a-likes and all, where the Mathew Street Festival belongs.
