weather prevents some elements of The Apple Cart reaching their full potential

Despite the prospect of a soggy day and forecasted rain, by lunchtime Victoria Park had a scattering of festival revellers who seemed in surprisingly cheery spirits. While the rest of London was diving into Jubilee celebrations, this crowd had decided to submerse themselves in a concoction of music, comedy, cabaret and magic.

First act worthy of mention is Gaz Coombes, who came on after nearly an hours delay due to some technical difficulties. A quick hello went straight into a demonstration of his distinctive and impressive range, filling the first few tracks with that sound immediately reminiscent of 90's indie Brit pop. However, 'Simulator' from his new album brought the set right up to date, filling the tent with catchy beats, uplifting melodies, and cheeky synths interjected with bursts of energetic strings and meaty rifts. The crowd seemed suitably pleased, a mostly older audience with some definite die-hard Supergrass fans at the front.

The next act Lianne La Havas brought nothing but sunshine and smiles with a voice exuding both beautiful soul and effortless harmonies. Seemingly humble and full of giggles, she seemed to be immensely enjoying every single note she sang, lips curled at the corners more often than not. Her music brought an infusion of jazzy folk and acoustic summer vibes, as she performed perfectly poised in killer red wedges. The crowd were graced by tracks from her EP including the dreamy and nostalgic 'Au Cinema', and even got involved with a little chorus participation with her new single 'Is Your Love Big Enough'.

Her story-telling style of singing was very likeable, as she dropped in a couple of playful references to her ex and obvious muse behind some of her lyrics. Her set was helped along by clean, pure vocals, a powerful yet subdued range softened by bird-like coos and drippy melodies from a well-introduced band. A very commendable performance from a classy up and coming act, definitely one to watch.

Wandering about, the site wasn't as muddy as it could have been, given the day before saw Field Day rained out by about 9pm. Being very much a family orientated affair, there was no surprise to see lots of little pairs of wellies splashing through puddles at every opportunity. Unfortunately for the parents and to the disappointment of the kids, the outdoor village fete games got packed up early due to the rain which became heavier as the day went on.

However, the House of Fairytales did well to provide sheltered entertainment in the shape of an interactive candlelit film production; a sure hit with aspiring mini actors and actresses.

A quick dive into the Spinning Wheel Stage meant picking through people curled up on the floor huddled in coats and blankets trying to keep warm and dry. The reggae tunes certainly did the trick in warming ears and hearts for the Penguin Cafe, a large collective of classically trained musicians, theatrical in appearance and emotionally evocative in performance. With their second piece getting the audience cheering and feet stomping, the band quickly picked up the pace with upbeat sounds from quirky looking instruments. Despite some clear sound issues and subtle complaints from some of the band members, the tent had the feeling of an intimate barn dance celebration, and each musician looked as though they were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Picking up the spirits was the cabaret tent, where a quick peek revealed the lovely Rosalla encapsulating all that is crass and diva. Performing to Christina Aguilera's 'Ain't No Other Man', the blonde bombshell managed to execute a pancake-making scenario, simultaneously whisking while gyrating and hitching up an already dangerously ripped denim number. Her finale consisted of precariously balancing a y-stand while flipping pancakes, actually pretty impressive!

The Venn Street Traders put on a veritable assortment of hot food stalls, a much welcomed addition given the autumnal conditions. After deliberating over a 35 day aged steak burger, a Spanish flatbread with chicken and chorizo, and the infamously yummy Arancini risotto balls, sampling a Creole fish cake with hot sauce seemed like the done thing to do given the next musical encounter. One Kid Creole (aka Thomas Browder) and a bunch of very glamorous Coconuts took to the stage, defying the grim elements with an audio and visual taste of Latino carnival. The fun and warmth they brought to the tent was nothing short of infectious, an instant mood-lifter and perfect festival pick-me-up.

Next on the agenda was some comedy courtesy of 8 Out of Ten Cat's Sean Lock, however due to the majority of the crowd inside the tent deciding to sit down, more floorspace was taken up than really necessary. As a result a lot of the audience were forced to peer in while getting heavily dripped on. Still, the laughter rumbled on as Sean flitted seamlessly from subject to subject while keeping an underlying theme, somehow managing to link his slating of Danny from the Script with the thought process of moths, while at the same time discussing the nations binge drinking tendencies.

Had the rain and the wind and the cold not been so relentless, the day would certainly have been a greater success in terms of everything it had to offer. All the ingredients were there for a family-friendly one day fetstival full of English character, craft, and creative entertainment, including a lot of events that perhaps didn't get to realise their full potential such as the Art Car Boot Fair, the Pantominne Horse Derby and the Rag & Bow vintage market. Hopefully next year there won't be a need for two pairs of socks, wellies, scarves and coats in June, roll on the next Applecart!

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