The Wickerman Festival 2005

United Kingdom | by Gavin McInally24 July 2005

Even mother nature refused to conform in south-west Scotland, as the picturesque, sun-kissed fields at East Kirkcarswell, near Dundrennan, provided the perfect setting for nearly 10,000 fans to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of The Wickerman's annual outing.

Despite an oddly interesting bill which included alternative favourites such as The Stranglers, Arthur Brown, Anti-Product and local favourites The Dangleberries, music played second best to the "Fun, Fire and Freedom" vibe so readily adopted by everyone over the weekend.

Families took advantage of the colourful Children's Area while 'hippie' tents and the cinema, showing cult classics, including of course The Wickerman, made for a interesting break from the glorious weather.

The Stranglers' 'No More Heroes' was the big hit of the Friday night as ageing, bearded men and floral dress-sporting women danced in tune beside youngsters not old enough to remember the band's last chart hit, never mind the days when they were relevant in the music industry.

Dreadzone kept the tempo high until the wee hours in the morning and the 'Wicker people' showed no signs of slowing down either, as the event ran seamlessly into the Saturday.

For many, an early morning 'curer' marked the beginning of another drink fuelled day of Hula dancing and sing-alongs as thousands of visitors awaited the weekend's showpiece attraction; the burning of the 30-foot Wickerman.

Self-proclaimed head case Arthur Brown promised fire and with the aid of several torches and some pyrotechnics the skies above Kirkcudbrightshire were lit up as the temporary landmark was torched against a backdrop of fireworks.

And with the cold beer flowing, anthems booming from the PA system and fans dancing into the closing hours early on Sunday morning there can be little doubt the Wickerman will be back in 2006 bigger and better than ever.