Mr Tumble, and Bon Iver prove the attractions of the weekend on Saturday

The real attraction for the children over the weekend however is Mr Tumble. As well as a scheduled Sunday morning appearance on the Castle Stage Mr. Tumble (from the CBeebies show Something Special) performs a secret show on The Blue Coats stage, on Saturday, which proves to be one of the most popular pulls of the weekend. Sing-along's and custard pies are the order of the day as hundreds turn up to see Mr. Tumble fall over a lot and generally charm the idolising kids.

After the previously mentioned Saturday morning excitement of a Mr. Tumble secret show it was on to the Castle Stage for another of the many Sunday Best acts on display this weekend, Bastila. After their average pseudo funk it was back to the Big Top for what I was hoping to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Alessi's Ark were held up in traffic, along with Alela Diane, so managed only a 15 minute set before being hauled off. Alessi Laurent-Marke's songwriting coupled with her soft vocals provided a sweet, if short-lived, moment of the festival.

Goldie Lookin' Chain, however, are the complete opposite. There was no softening-down of their set for the immature ears listening as they shot through a set of their most memorable "tunes" like 'Half Man Half Machine', 'Guns Don't Kill People Rappers Do', 'Your Missus is a Nutter' and the closing 'Your Mother's Got a Penis'. All good, unclean fun.

Continuing with the penis theme on the Garden Stage was Crazy P (formerly known as Crazy Penis - and they wondered why they never got played on mainstream radio!). Singer Danielle Moore does her best impression of Roisin Murphy but doesn't quite have the charisma or vocal ability to match. However it is a nice summery vibe for a sunny afternoon.

Another voice suited to the lovely weather is the glorious blonde-haired Laura Marling, but we have to venture into the Big Top to hear the delicate folk sounds of the 19 year-old from Hampshire. We're treated to the now rarely played 'Cross Your Fingers', 'Ghosts' and the beautiful closer 'Alas, I Cannot Swim'.

With only three live music stages, one of which doubled as a comedy stage, there were often gaps in the proceedings for those there solely for the live music, but for others there were plenty of other things going on around the site from dance lessons to workshops or if really desperate there was always the hour long queue for a freshly ground coffee.

After an hours silence for the nearby church service there is more folk next but this time from the other side of the world with Bon Iver. A rammed Big Top sees the shaggy-looking Justin Vernon (maybe he needs another break in his Wisconsin lodge) and talented backing band play a majority of their slow-burner For 'Emma, Forever Ago'. 'Flume' and 'Skinny Love', along with E.P. track 'Blood Bank' prove to be the high-points of a poignant set.

Back to the Garden Stage we find the current darlings of the Indie press Phoenix. The ultra-cool French band whip through some choice moments from their four album back catalogue but the new tracks 'Lasso', 'Lisztomania' and set-closer '1901' are the standout tracks from a blinding up-tempo set.

Whilst the festival and their dog go off to the Big Top to see a special acoustic show from the wondrous P J Harvey we make the decision to catch something different over at the Bandstand. Sportsday Megaphone is one-man band Hugh Frost who does a fantastic job of entertaining the little ones and even invites them to rush the stage for the closing cover of Buzzcocks' 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)'.

Following on from Sportsday Megaphone was the incredible Introducing, a live band recreation of the classic DJ Shadow album Endtroducing, itself famous for being the first ever album created entirely from samples. Faultless in it's execution it was an extraordinary project and one the best moments of the weekend. 'Organ Donor' drifted through the Kids' Garden with the eerily lit up castle nearby making the perfect musical moment.

Another appearance from the excellent Beardyman, a very talented beatboxer, was taking place next in the Big Top, and it was generally quite difficult to miss his skills over the weekend with his compering stint on the Castle Stage, he's a hugely entertaining act that many, it seems, could have gladly watched all weekend.

Latest Updates