Wychwood Festival 2008

United Kingdom | | 03 June 2008

Never a dull moment, this quaint festival is the perfect way to spend the weekend whether you're listening to classic bands or unheard acts, relaxing in the tea garden or simply letting off steam at the silent disco.

Misty's Big Adventure kick off the festival in style on the big top stage with lead singer Grandmaster Gareth's hair looking like its constantly trying to escape the constraints of his hat. Even with a trumpeter and a saxophonist, seven members still doesn't seem to be enough for the group, so a man in a blue body suit, adorned with red hands of course, dances like a 90's raver on stage with them during the set. Surprisingly he doesn't scare the group of young children at the front - they actually love him. The jazz funk sound improves as the band seem to start enjoying themselves; the highlight being when a cheeky guitar change turns into impromptu poetry freestyle about a crumpled up man and a paedophile priest- it goes down a storm with the crowd. Lacking the energy that they have the potential for, Misty's fall just short of big - but are still certainly an adventure.

The smallest venue at the festival, the Wickwar stage, host acts that are just starting out and tonight Air Cav show how good this festival is as spotting talent. Immensely good looking, this indie outfit offer just enough folk to keep the regulars happy and newcomers intrigued. Unlike Misty's Big Adventure this band seem to really be enjoying themselves and it transfers to the audience.

Main stage headliners The Proclaimers play to the biggest crowd yet with everyone waiting for the popular 'I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)'. Unfortunately they seem to be waiting too long and the set drags. Despite ageing somewhat and putting on a few pounds, between them the Scottish brothers still have it and the crowd goes wild as there favourite song brings the first day to a close.

Despite being in the Cotswolds, some scum have spent the night creeping into tents and stealing cash. Luckily the sun is out and Oxford band, Stornoway, are helping to entertain the crowd and get them back to enjoying themselves. They look the part: all adorned with hats and braces and they're catchy violin-tinged sound is reminiscent early Guillemots.

One of the most anticipated acts on this year's bill, The Blockheads, hit the stage in the afternoon. They don't take to the stage with Phill Jupitus, as advertised, but the band's guest vocalist does share an uncanny resemblance to their original lead singer Ian Drury. Running through hits such as 'Reasons To Be Cheerful' and 'Rhythm Stick', they go down a storm, warming the crowd up for the rest of tonight's line up.

A huge crowd gathers for Welsh songstress Duffy, with children parading their homemade 'We Love Duffy' posters. Wearing a short gold dress she belts out songs such as 'Rockferry' from her number one album of the same name. The crowd bellow cheers of support and sing along as she ends the set with 'Mercy'.

The Divine Comedy bring Saturday to a close and ,if they weren't so good, it's possible they could've been overshadowed by an impromptu dance group of adults and children led by a young boy. Their impeccable talent shines through, and they end their set with their big hit 'National Express', leaving the crowd wondering how tomorrow can possibly beat the line up they've seen today.

But before that it's time to go to the silent disco in the big top tent - a first for the Wychwood festival. The tent is full to the brim with people wearing blue tooth headphones as two DJs spin an eclectic mix of tunes from Kylie's 'Locomotion' to Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' allowing revellers to dance around like lunatics.

Young Republic have come all the way from Nashville give Sunday morning a rocky kickstart. The young band are dressed smartly and their beautiful harmonies leave a lasting impression. Scotland's We See Lights on the Wickwar stage release a handful of cheery indie-folk, driven by a youthful enthusiasm and happiness.

A large late afternoon crowd gathers for 3 Daft Monkeys on the big top stage to witness another set of sterling gypsy folk before Transglobal Underground bring the festival to a close. Having played here before the band are more than at home on the main stage. Their mix of bongos and sitar led by basketball jersey wearing MC-cum-singe ris ideal for the Wychwood's ethos of anything goes. The crowd go wild for the slightly odd, but entertaining Transglobal sound, finishing the festival on the high note it deserves.

With its mix of old and young people and new and old sounds, Wychwood is an interestingly different festival experience, one that's perfect for those who are after a family-orientated festival. At times it can be an event of extremes – when the music is good, its brilliant, but when it is bad its truly awful. The same can almost be said for the crowd: the majority were friendly with a few pilfering thieves trying to rob people while they slept. Luckily the small downsides weren't enough to prevent Wychwood from becoming one of the most refreshingly different festivals of the summer.

By Jane Pople.