rain on Saturday fails to dampen Cornbury spirits as Macy Gray shines

Oh and the rain, it came. Woke up on Saturday morning to the rain colliding against my tent forcing me to wake up for about 5am. Thankfully, it soon subsided and it only re-appeared again a few times during the day.

So, I chose to begin my day with the International Ukulele Club of Sonning Common. An intriguing start to the day yet nevertheless fun. A huge band of about 40 members of all ages and genders, they were lead by Sam Brown. Covering a range of rock songs including 'Should I Stay' by the Clash and 'Ace of Spades' by Motorhead, as well as typical Ukulele songs by George Formby, the band marvelled the Cornbury audience and I stayed transfixed for their entire set. Surprising as well! I never thought the Ukulele could sound as good as they made it. I may invest in one.. .

The Dunwells are a band from Leeds and another highlight of my weekend. They are exactly what I love about good live music. Beautiful lyrics and quality songs meant that they were definitely a talking point of the weekend. It's surprising though that the band are from Leeds as their sound is steeped in Americana and folksy. Their sound has something familiarly warm about it. Something so unexpected yet a band in which I'd happily find their music after the set.

Aloe Blacc followed and was super cool and effortlessly talented. He captured the audience and performed his huge hit 'I Need A Dollar' in which sent the audience into hysterics.

From TV sensation to a musical genius, Hugh Laurie's love of blues music and the new Orleans music scene inspired him to start performing. The audience at Cornbury gathered early for his set to guarantee a prime location and Laurie did not disappoint. His humour, together with his flair and abilities as a musician created the perfect atmosphere and set for a Saturday evening.

When you think of Macy Gray you think of a deliciously soulful voice and presence. Her hit single 'I Try' is cemented in the minds of people around the world. The second she stood on the Pleasant Valley stage and hit her first note, it was evident why people are drawn to her. Her raspy voice filled the arena and she elegantly graced through her set, encouraging the audience to connect with her and get lost in the music. Gray is such a huge star and Cornbury were lucky to have such an incredible artist on their line-up.

Newton Faulkner consistently gets better every time that I see him live. With a new album out in the next week, Faulkner took the chance to introduce some of his new material to the Cornbury audience including 'Long Shot', 'Write It On Your Skin' and the new single 'Clouds'. Faulkner also dabbled into his back catalogue which sent the crowd into hysterics and they began singing every word of 'Gone in the Morning' and Massive Attack's 'Teardrops'. Entertaining, humble and wonderfully charming, Faulkner really brought the Songbird Stage to life during his set. A fantastic addition to the weekend's line-up.

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