Play Fest 's opening day is topped by The Pigeon Detectives, and Ash

Whilst in High School, probably around ten years ago, I attended a summer camp, a camp which took place at a school, located within the Eccles Hall Estate. It’s because of this, that I was very interested to see a new music festival taking place at this venue. That was last year, when sadly, despite an intriguing line-up, featuring the likes of headliners The Futureheads and Frank Turner, I didn't attend.

I was eagerly anticipating this years line-up announcement, as I was keen to visit and see how they transformed this estate into a festival site. My eyes lit up when I saw the first announcement, which revealed the line-up for the Saturday. Headlining would be a personal favourite of mine, indie rock heroes Ash. Joining Ash were the brilliant The Pigeon Detectives, along with an impressive supporting cast, such as The Big Pink, and Reverend And The Makers. As soon as Feeder were added to headline the Sunday, it was confirmed that I must be at this festival.

Upon arrival, I was immediately impressed with how the site had been transformed. As you approached, the site and the car park were both clearly signposted and stewards guided you into the organised car park. There was a long queue forming at the entrance to the festival, due to a delay in opening the gates, but this was soon dealt with and it was on into the campsite. Entertainment was provided to weekend campers arriving on the Friday, in the form of bands, DJs and a funfair.

Looking at the line-up, Saturday was set to be the best day by far. It was a short walk from the campsite to the arena, which played home to seven stages, featuring a large variety of bands and DJs. I started my Saturday at the POW! Dance Arena, and took in a mass Zumba class in process. Although I couldn't bring myself to join in, this was a great idea and attracted a large crowd, all happy to dance along with the instructors on stage.

It was time now for some music, and it was over to the main stage for competition winners Kings And Crows, as the indie four-piece entertained the early crowd, with their indie pop songs, such as 'The Ivy River'. Play Fest stagger their two main live music stages, much like Sonisphere Festival, meaning fans have the opportunity to watch every band on both stages. This allowed me, to head over to the Big Top tent and take in a young band from King's Lynn called Under The Influence. One of the heaviest bands of the weekend, their music fuses rap with metal and a tinge of punk mixed in.

I then headed back to the main stage, where Solko had the crowd dancing along to their brand of infectious, soulful indie. After a look at the decent Eyes in the Big Top, it was back on the main stage and the cheery, happy indie styling's of The Tracks. Tripwires followed The Tracks on the main stage, and played half an hour of grunge inspired pop rock, an image helped by their guitarist sporting a dress.

Luckily the walk between the main stage and the Big Top is a short one, because it was back to the tent for the very good Kamilla Lovett. The soulful singer-songwriter attracted a large crowd to the tent, and songs like 'Robot Heart' earned her a huge applause at the end of her set.

Tellison were next to take to the main stage and the four-piece indie rock band were well received. Following them on the main stage were Little Comets, who had the decent sized crowd on their feet dancing. The band from Newcastle was very entertaining, and had instruments such a tambourine and a saucepan hanging above their heads, which was different. I then went in search of food; all the normal stalls were there, selling burgers, pizzas etc. Personally I ended up stumping £5.50 for a disappointingly small burger.

It was then time for The Big Pink to take to the main stage. I was disappointed by these when watching them support Muse in 2009, but given the success of their track 'Dominos', I was keen to give them another go. Despite coming on stage late, they were a pleasant surprise for me, and the big crowd they attracted. 'Dominos' was the obvious highlight, but the set as a whole was one of the best of the weekend.

Reverend And The Makers were next up on the main stage, who I debated whether or not to watch. This was because, much like The Big Pink, I'd caught them once before, playing with Biffy Clyro and Red Hot Chili Peppers at Hampden Park. On this occasion, they were thoroughly unimpressive, however, surely most bands would be playing with such amazing live acts. It's for this reason that I decided to give them a second chance.

Unlike The Big Pink however, I wasn't glad I did, as they just did nothing for me. I'll admit that the gathered crowd did seem to enjoy them, but they aren't for me. Therefore I'll take this time to talk about something else. The toilet facilities at the festival appeared just right for the number of people at the event. I was happy to see that they had separate ladies and gents toilets in place, which is always a nice touch for the ladies, given the poor aim of us men.

Leaving Reverend And The Makers towards the end of the set, I headed back to the Big Top to catch Sonic Boom Six, whom I'd only heard good things of in the past. Playing their unique brand of dubstep infused rock, they were as impressive as I had hoped they would be. It had been overcast all day, it was getting dark, and it was getting cold, but it was then time to head back outside to the main stage.

Sub-headlining the main stage was, in my opinion, one of the best young indie bands on the scene today, The Pigeon Detectives. In my experience they are also a top live act, and because of this, I felt that The Pigeon Detectives could be the surprise act of the festival. The band from Yorkshire is currently touring album number three 'Up, Guards And At 'Em!'. This album, along with their first two efforts 'Emergency' and 'Wait For Me', give the still young band, an impressive arsenal of material for tonight's set.

Playing an energetic 45 minute set, the band played a selection of songs from across their three albums, including 'Done In Secret', 'I Found Out' and 'This Is An Emergency'. The band were possibly the highlight of the festival, as the crowd went crazy for tracks such as 'Take Her Back', 'I'm Not Sorry' and 'The Romantic Type'. The Pigeon Detectives are a truly entertaining live act, with singer Matt Bowman even climbing the side of the stage at one point in the set.

The highlight of their set was 'Keep On Your Dress', when Bowman invited any member of the crowd in fancy dress to join them onstage. Soon the band was joined by the likes of Hulk Hogan, a teddy bear, a banana and a group of young kids dressed as animals. It was a really nice touch, seeing these kids having the time of their lives onstage, at what really is a family friendly festival.

Tonight's main stage headliner is non-other than, Northern Irish, indie rock legends Ash. Ash have been around some time now, having formed in 1992. Between the years of 1997 and 2006, the trio of Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray added the beautiful and talented Charlotte Hatherley and proceeded as a four-piece. Nowadays however, the band is back to its original threesome of Wheeler, Hamilton and McMurray.

Since forming in 1992, the lads have perfected their own brand of soft rock, and forged a strong reputation as a great live act. Playing just a handful of festival dates this summer, Play Fest has pulled of a real coup in securing Ash to headline. A large crowd forms around the main stage in anticipation of the bands set, which comes half an hour or so later than advertised.

With the temperature lowering and drops of rain starting to fall, three men from Downpatrick walk onstage to a huge ovation and kick their set off with 'A Life Less Ordinary' and 'Goldfinger'. Classic 'A Girl From Mars' then gets the crowd moving as their somewhat short set carries on. One criticism of the festival I do have, is that both headliners only received an hour slot each, which as members of the crowd mentioned to me, is really short for a festival headliner.

Despite getting hit on the head by a football early on, Tim Wheeler and Ash pushed on with their set which included hits 'Orpheus', 'Shining Light' and 'Oh Yeah', before leaving the stage. The then slightly thin crowd begged for more, and Ash delivered with an encore of 'Return Of White Rabbit' and 'Burn Baby Burn'. Ash provided a great end to what has been a great day of music.

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