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Glorious sunshine brought the crowds out to Ashton Court - as a community festival, it seemed more like a huge picnic for the Bristol massive, with every spare patch of grass covered with bodies sprawling in the sunshine, and soaking up the vibe.

The site, laid out long and thinnish with everything around the edges (rather than with a central area to walk around) worked well, making you feel in contact with all that's going on. There were three outdoor stages, some tented stages, plus a small open-air stage with open-mic sessions, fire twirlers, and more, and the gaps between the stages filled by the normal range stalls selling festival goodies and a bar including the infamous Brothers Pear Cider.

The music was mainly from acts unfamiliar to most, with some bigger names at the end of the day, and without a programme (like me), the anonymous acts were simply things I liked, or things I didn’t. Saturday had Blackbud and then The Go! Team close the main stage - both pulling a decent crowd, as did Dreadzone who closed the Relentless Stage and had their own crowd bouncing to their dubby beats. Sunday had Simple Minds close the main stage ... but ... erm .. I forgot about them.

In its old format as Bristol Community Festival this event used to be free, and the nine pound charge (as it was this year on the gate) bugs those who’ve been coming since back then. But at just nine quid you can't go wrong, it's a great festival with some great bands.

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