I believe I was at that Xmas gig too with my two offspring on a rare jaunt to the far south west.
I saw them also in 2002 (with original singer Terry Bennett). I was at a conference in Cardiff and saw a poster for a Sassafras/Trevor Burton Band double header gig at the Patti Pavilion, 12th July 2002. Martin Ace was there and joined the Trevor Burton band for their encore! Sassafras were superb... They were also selling and I bought (but can't play any more) the video from the St. David's Hall gig in 2000.
I also remember meeting a Sassafras fan(atic), Mike, who had also done a video of the Man Xmas party at the Patti in 2001.
I remember also doing an interview by phone with lead guitarist Dai Rees (nice chap) which I don't think was ever printed (just found it) - has some Man related titbits if anyone's interested...