Oysterband deliver a fabulous closing performance

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Big Session Festival 2010

Friday 18th to Sunday 20th June 2010
De Montfort Hall, Granville Road, Leicester, England MAP
£75 for the whole weekend, child 5-15 £27.50

Sunday was always going to be a quieter day, and with the headliners finishing early at 6:30PM, it is just that. It is also the day that has the biggest folk presence of all, especially on the Big Top.

Pog, on the Orange Tree stage, are the first band to really catch the attention. Playing punkier folk tunes, and not taking themselves too seriously, they attract a decent crowd to the smallest tent, and give a good account of themselves.

On the Indoor Stage Dervish are playing, and despite Pog finishing at the same time they start we only miss their introduction.

Unfortunately, despite being a band that has been doing this for over 20 years, and having played to almost a quarter of a million people at Rock In Rio in Brazil, they just don't cut it today. Their brand of very traditional Irish music just isn't too interesting, and despite their attempts, there is little to no energy between them and the crowd.

With a quick run across the site, it is possible to catch Jackie Oates playing her headline set in the Big Top. It seems a bit odd catching a headlining performance at quarter-to-four in the afternoon, but she produces a nice little set of laid back, more traditional folk songs, that fit well with the glorious sunshine bathing the site.

Finally we come to the third and final Oysterband (or part) performance of the weekend. This is their main show, headlining their festival, and you would expect a fabulous performance. Thankfully, the expectant crowd is given one. They play a brand of music that whilst having some folky tinges, is more straight up acoustic rock at its heart.

Frontman John Jones is the epitome of cool in his dark suit and shades, whilst guitarist Alan Prosser is jumping like a man half his age.

Jones is in good spirits, after a hugely successful festival, stating Oysterband are: "The perfect band for a recession. Miserable lyrics set to happy tunes."

Despite his cool luck, he appears extremely down to earth, even spending songs in the middle of the crowd, with a refreshing lack of security presence around him.

They make a fabulous end to a fabulous festival. Long may it remain a well kept secret on the festival circuit.