Photo: Greendak
Sunday is slightly damp after a night of rain but the freak gusts of wind blow-dry the tents, many of which are disappearing as people pack up. On the second stage are Diego Brown, an odd but compelling duo who use a variety of instruments to accompany vocals about graffiti and singing songs such as ‘Who the Hell is Herbert Hardwick’ while performing just plain odd stage antics.
The Dualers on the main stage bring a bit of ska and reggae, with "busking brothers" Si and Tyber doing synchronised dances to a brass backline. They even break out a reggae cover of Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’, now thats something you don't see every day. Over on the second stage is medieval punk collective Circulus, complete with horns and again, strange characters. Not as strange as Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 (usually minus 3, due to a slightly different line up). The psychedelic sounds from this band (who are not hippies, they state, though we don’t believe them) are great, but the ramblings between songs are enough to make you question your sanity. Just what the hell is he talking about? Also reading their part in the official program is confusing, enough to make your head spin.
Incredible guitar player and singer-songwriter Martin Simpson is playing the second stage next. The timings of the sets on both major stages make it possible to see all of the acts, which I like at a festival, instead of the organisers making the best bands clash so that you have to choose. Nerina Pallot stuns the main stage with her country, folk and rock music played using her extensive classical musical training. And surprisingly she states that one of the songs is about “shagging”. Now how did mother and father take that statement?
Eliza Carthy’s touring buddy’s John Spiers and Jon Boden play some step dance music in the second stage, though the crowd are slow on the uptake. Named Radio Two’s Best Folk Duo, this talented couple should really have been on the main stage. The Pretenders, in particular, Chrissie Hynde, have such stage presence that they are mesmerising. The in-between song banter and jokes leave a lasting impression. Unfortunately this is their last UK gig for some time, as they leave for America. The final act of the weekend on the second stage is the delightfully talented Kate Rusby and her band. As well as the beautiful songs about love (‘Let It Be’) and battles the young Barnsley lass has a great relationship with her audience from the start. The first time of the weekend when people are standing up in the second stage.
The weekend ends on the main stage with Texas, who play all the hits first, including ‘Black Eyed Boy’ and ‘Halo’. Unfortunately many of the crowd have left, probably for work the day after, but there is still a good turn out for Sharleen and Co.
All in all a good weekend, especially for the family, with bubble machines and fairy costumes the must-have items of the day. Though we still have to question the price for the VIP area; the loos are really nice but £15 for a buffet meal? After spending the extra £50 what do you get for your money? Though the gold wristbands are nice, and no loo queues…….
