Bloodstock makes itself the UK's number one all metal event

Nestled in the unspoilt countryside of Weston-on-Trent, Catton Hall is a stunning location for a bloodbath of metal rock and a pleasant hard-core assault on the senses. The weekend was bathed in glorious sunshine; with only one small downpour, this venue got the lion’s share of perfect festival weather this year.

Bloodstock was this year's top Metal Festival and judging from the elated mood of everybody attending, it will just keep on getting better. With a record attendance of almost 12,000 Bloodstock has made itself the UK's number one all metal event. Daily Motion was capturing the action from the main stage attracting well over 200,000 internet viewers from the UK alone.

Due to its relatively small size Bloodstock is probably the best run festival I have attended with plenty of clean facilities, excellent security and a delightfully wacky crowd. To the uninitiated, metal fans can look a little scary but the truth is they are extremely friendly, fun loving, educated and pleasant to be around, a member of the security team commented to me that "Bloodstock is the easiest gig on their calendar" which tells you a lot about the people. Even the bands attending had only good things to say about the festivals organisation, many going so far as to say "it's the best festival they have ever played!" With no hint of trouble or crime, attending Bloodstock will put even the most paranoid at ease; even if you're not into the music you'll just love the sea of black clad friendly faces.

The close arrangement of the three stages allows the curious to discover new and upcoming talent without feeling like you have covered the length of a small county. From the main stage, it's a two minute walk to the New Blood Stage where you'll find young talent vying for new fans and recognition. It's the smallest of the stages but the lighting and sound are actually very good quality. The Sophie Lancaster Stage is even closer to the main stage costing you about 45 seconds of walking time, here you'll find more established bands with music just as refined as the main acts. The main stage grabs most of the attention and rightly so, the lighting and pyrotechnics throughout were absolutely awesome even during the daylight hours.

There were plenty of choices for food with most eating habits covered; my favourite was the Hog Roast which was delicious, chuck in a soft bap and apple source - ahh heaven!. Food at festivals is generally getting better and Bloodstock is no exception, my only gripe was the cost of a small bottle of water, at £2 (everywhere) for half a litre I soon spent an amount close to my water utility bill for the year and I had access to the measly free supply in the press tent, so take plenty of your own.

If you have the spare cash, purchasing a VIP ticket (limited supply) is worth it as there are numerous opportunities to get a sneaky picture with your favourite band members and you get access to the best toilets on site :). There was a good selection of real ales and little known ciders to be had in the bar as well, which I don't recall seeing elsewhere on site.

To say I was impressed with Bloodstock is an understatement, I was blown away and find myself wishing a whole year away so I can bask in that sea of black, spiky metal piercings, and tattoos once again; Bloodstock you rock!

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