day two of Dorset's Cursus sees the weekend in full swing

The Cursus Cider & Music Festival 2016

Friday 13th to Sunday 15th May 2016
near Sixpenny Handley, Cranborne Chase, Dorset, England MAP
£50

Daily capacity: 400

Saturday morning and there's a gentle breeze and passing cloud, Rodger Nash Experience wake up the early audience with some loud funk rock and a drum solo that gives the guitarists time to roll up.

Breakfast is a cracking red pepper hash and onto Mel's All Stars, (Rat Black guitarist from skimmity Hitchers), with subject matter including punk, a riot on Eastbourne pier and nefarious imports into Shoreham Airport, after explaining that there is only 3 growth industries left in Brighton, rampant landlordism, cupcakes and dope smuggling!

A couple of St. Austell ales, Tribute, and a good chat to a festival regular about music, life and food then its into the larger marquee for Jawbone, a blues rock duo. They have a nice tight sound musically but could do with some audience interaction, which might have moved some more indoors to watch them.

They are followed by Bluetown Rumble, who are really solid young band with a reggae vibe, it'll be interesting to see how they come along in future years.

After some lovely falafel its onto Mick O'Toole for a cider fuelled Wiltshire take on Irish folk punk, good fun and get people up dancing from outside in the sun. These guys are growing in stature and getting some good support slots now.

Dana Immanuel & The Stolen Band are a real quality four piece this weekend, playing some folk and blues. the slap box, banjo, electric and steel slide guitar combine for a great sound. Their track 'Jack of Diamonds' (I think it was called that) really stood out for me.

The Majestic bring up a proper reggae set into to main marquee, I think the smaller tents sound desk set up wasn't right for them, thankfully meaning they get the audience they deserve and a tad warmer in there!

Whilst Sitting in Nana's Kitchen eating a fab roast sweet potato chilli I get to chat to H from Dana's band and she lets me know about their full on Glastonbury Festival ahead including Bandstand, Avalon Café and Beans On Toast's Sunday curate in the rocket lounge.

Gaz Brookfield & Ben Wain are fab as usual, I've said plenty about them in the past so if you've not seen a set yet or they've not played in your town go and see them in a field soon or invite him to play in your local music venue, chances are he will!

The Defektors are another band that have a old school festival ska/reggae beat. The lead singers energy and passion for her performance really helps fill the tent for a great atmosphere.

An 'Iron Shirt' medley keeps the dancing legs warm/moving between sets, before Dik brings us Citizen Fish to close the day. They do it in proper style full of his usual punk energy and loud brass, how can you not enjoy! Political angst and riot songs take me right back to 80's activism.

A large fire keeps the late night folk warm(and possibly a bit of cider) until they drift away back to tents and vans when license restrictions end the music.

review by: Simon Gillespie