Strawberry Fields forever

Hidden away in the East midlands countryside is the quaint little village of Heather, connected only to the next through farmland and country lanes. However, Heather has a few dark horses hidden away in its stables and over the last few years its residents have taken it upon themselves to prove that its not only its size that matters.

This year sees Cattows Farm hosting the first ever Strawberry Fields Music Festival, a place renowned locally for its strawberry picking, or actually any Berry picking you like, the clue's in the name...

Since the announcement of the Festival was made earlier this year there has been much speculation and anticipation. The East Midlands also host the very famous Download festival which really is something to compare to but it seems no apprehension was necessary! From the first signpost to the main Festival entrance, it appears to be a one hundred per cent professional arrangement. Army cadets directing the traffic where friendly and helpful, unlike other larger venues, and collecting our passes was an unusually pain free experience.

The main arena was simple but contained all the necessary commodities. A huge Fun Fair, cash bar (no paying for drinks vouchers first thank god!), various shops and a decent variety of fast food outlets plus clean and easy to locate toilets, which as a woman is a luxury we do not usually get!

James Summerfield and his band are first onto the main stage, with heartfelt lyrics and relaxing melodies a perfect start to the afternoon, sat on the grass, beer in hand. Throughout the day it seems that the line up could of been better placed, personal opinion I suppose but I would've rather seen James Summerfield a little later on when the crowd was fuller, feeling its harder to perform to a concentrating few than a gang of many! He seemed unsettled and slightly unorganized at first although his voice was confident and steadfast throughout and peaking at their third song 'Stuck in the mud'.

Every act throughout the day appeared to be extremely well thought out, all having either media or celebrity acclaim. Second band The Naked Lights were no exception although they took to the stage with the energy of Supergrass and though there was still only a small crowd the party had certainly started. 'Nuclear Fallout' was edgy but ever so catchy and the New Order influences were becoming obvious.

A quick sidestep to the Strawberry Jam Stage where a huge crowd had already began to form for local band The Stiggz. By the time they started to play it was almost impossible to get through the hordes of girls elbow to elbow at the front. However young their following, they have a much more mature sound and vocalist Richard Elderton reminded me at times of New Model Army's Justin Sullivan.

Charismatic singer/songwriter Nina Smith was pleasantly surprising and fitted the festival main stage perfectly. A captivating voice with haunting lyrics and a rather unique sound. Deciding to stick around to catch Henry's Children, having already heard lots about them and spotted their flyer's and posters in various venues, it was the right decision. The Brummy boys played a brilliant set, during which they mixed gentle pop with a sound last heard so well coming from the Levellers. 'When We Fall' began as a jaw dropping ballad which quickly became their anthem, they completely filled the stage with sound and had the audience eating out of their hands.

Back across at the Strawberry Jam Stage The Screening have already started playing. These guys turn out to be first of my two favourites of the day. (Superevolver being the second!) Having seen them wandering around backstage earlier in the day with a certain air of confidence about them, its suddenly completely understandable. The Screening know they have what it takes, and really deserved to be on the main stage but they rock the roof off the jam tent and then carefully pop it back into place when they've finished. Each of the four guys have a perfect image and they fit together like a black lace glove. Without wanting to compare them to any one band, would be impossible anyway but to give an idea of likeness, think The Cure/AFI only slightly chirpier.

Living locally you'd have to of had your head in a bush not to of heard the name SuperEvolver . In a word Superevolver are awesome. Front man Mab is stunning, charismatic and every inch the perfect front man. Even cooler than Ian Brown and more magnetic than Oasis ever were. With a charity single being released later in September featuring guest vocals from Tom Meighan from Kasabian, they cant go far wrong. Have a listen to 'Nymph Pink Angel' on myspace to start the addiction.

My first visit to the Risque Dance tent was early afternoon, perhaps a little early for serious clubbers but a dedicated few were dancing away unrestrained, not being the biggest fan of Dance I can only say that it was loud and I noticed a Nine Inch Nails sample during one DJ's set so was quite impressed with that and decided then to visit after sunset for Micky Slim and Nick Corelli - those being the only ones I'd honestly ever heard of, by which time the whole tent was almost completely full and people were still trying to get in, with hundreds of glow sticks illuminating the darkness. I can only say it was really something, the music was loud but not at all unpleasant and for saying I have only ever been dragged into a Dance club by my hair, boot heels scrapping the floor, we stayed there for well over an hour, missing most of headliner Example's set. When we did finally make it back to the main stage the energy in the crowd was almost as stunning as the one we had just left in the dance tent. I didn't realize how popular Example's blend of electro pop actually was until that moment. The atmosphere was euphoric and once again even if the music isn't to your liking, you just cant help but be drawn in.

From a pessimist to a total believer, fingers crossed for next year. I actually promised myself I wouldn't be so sad to say this but...... Strawberry Fields Forever?? whoops!

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