We really ought to remember that the M5 never gets us where we want to go on time, and even though the campsite is open early, we arrive just before the music programme starts and by the time the tent is up and the car full of stuff we've brought (thankfully we're allowed to drive to where we want to put the tent up) is stowed within it, the stages have already started the entertainment.
The campsite is much busier this year but there's still masses of space, and we set up as kids run about, and the festival atmosphere, and the weather puts smiles on our faces as we make our way around to the arena entrance. The whole festival is vibrant and alive, and the colourful stalls distract me as I make my way towards Robyn Hitchcock and The Psychedelic Trams and as is his want he's in rambling mode and the music's good with a few old covers including The Beatles thrown in for good measure. I don't know whether it's the number of times I've seen him now, but the set is much more enjoyable from him this year.
I don't catch all of it however as I head for the Big Top and The Impro All Star which includes Josie Lawrence as well as the billed Andy Smart, Steve Steen, and Stephen Frost. Much like 'Who's Line Is It Anyway?' in style it raises the mirth levels, as does the Wickwar Brewery's 'Stagefright' on sale alongside other ales, ciders and beverages from the bar at the back.
Dreadzone's appearance on the main stage has me making a beeline back to the outdoor stage, and MC Spee despite being on crutches is still full of energy and drummer Greg Dread is the liveliest I've seen him, a bout of dancing follows on the hard standing, and there's a few faces in the crowd who have taken refuge from the cancelled Sunrise festival down the road.
Whilst re-fuelling this time at the Wickwar Stage (and giving my knees a rest) I sample a little of the indie and fiddle mix of Air Cav and I'm impressed enough to delay my return to Dreadzone. Taking the fastest route back to the main stage, and Pimms bus, I catch a little of John Hegley who is gloriously heckling a busy crowd in the New Internationalist & Hammer & Tongue tent. Still grinning, I get back to the throng, and everyone has their hands in the air and the crowd has swelled to the largest I've seen on a Friday at Wychwood, there follows more happy festival skanking, "Oi Oi!"
Opting to see Kasai Masai instead of The Proclaimers is I feel the right decision, and the Big Top is suffused with African rhythms, and some jaw droppingly good saxophone. Lead singer Nickens Nkoso is resplendent in his traditional African costume and is literally smokin' as steam billows off his energetic frame, a witch doctor indeed!
I catch a little of the end of The Proclaimers' performance, and it sounds a bit lacking in musicianship but that matters not to the crowd who sing gloriously along to the encore of hits.
With a queue developing for the Silent Disco we decide to return to the quietest campsite in festival and, to re-acquaint ourselves with our friends, and enjoy the night before the clear, cold air forces us into sleeping bags and sleep.
review by Scott Williams photos by Karen Williams / Phil Bull / Andy Pitt
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