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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

The sun beat down hard on the morning of August 7th. Sat outside Hereford train station just before midday, awaiting a ride to Eastnor Castle grounds, my mind began to wander to thoughts of cool shadows, somewhat longer and more sheltering than those present, and condensation beaded, ice cold drinks, anything to quell the mid-summer heat. As luck, or should I say predetermination, would have it this particular deviation would take me to just the place to quench both thirst & burgeoning musical anticipation. I was Big Chill headed.

Unlike many music festivals thus far, this years’ Big Chill was seen to be blessed with brazen sunshine. Something of a rarity considering the downpour met by previous events in this years’ musical calendar. Such was the soaring temperature that many, including myself from time to time, sought refuge under one of the many tents erected for the less well known acts appointed to the various

stages. Acts which caused particular ferocity amongst the ensuing crowds included former Servants front man, Dan Black, whose electro inspired, full band set wowed all who were so lucky to be in The Coop just past Four o’clock. Along with Mr. Black, the eclectic stylings of Mr. Hudson proved to be an event in itself. With his set climaxing with the ever-present pop sensation Supernova, Mr. Hudson’s irrefutable charisma & overall likeability had The Coop overheating with charged kinetic exchanges between artist & audience.

In the saturated August evening sunlight Noah & the Whale gave a rousing performance of both old & new with an edifyingly electric edge which served as a glorious indication to a band reaching a new found degree of artistic maturity. Further down the Open Air Stage line-up, Tuscon Alt-Country superstars Calexico wowed the dusken crowd with a set reminiscent of the epic proportions set by many a Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western.

As Basement Jaxx came to headline the festival just before midnight, an electricity fell upon the 40,000 strong crowd gathered.  An exhilarating greatest hits set followed, with all fully embracing the festival going spirit. As the Jaxx’ set drew to a close an unseasonable chill took hold of the Eastnor grounds, but with the still strong crowd bathed in a collected glow, the Big Chill only seemed to be starting to heat up.