Saturday overview

Having arrived a little late - and missed Rolando who had been highly recommended to us - All Saints were playing the Main Stage. Despite the rain, there was a fair sized crowd who seemed to be enjoying it. After about 8 songs our ears were damaged too much, and we wandered off elsewhere - we really did try to give those girls a fair hearing... we wish they'd tried as hard to sing in tune!

All Saints: never ever... again PLEASE!

In the Slam tent Tom Middleton was on the decks playing big bouncy deep house. Although a mid afternoon set, the crowd wanted a gear change that never happened. The kayam tent - set as a 'Y' - was packed on the side nearest the centre of the site, and had loads of room the other side.

Back at the Main Stage Gomez oozed sheer class, playing note perfect old favourites to the huge sing-a-long crowd; the surpise rendition of the Only Fools and Horses theme song adding some amusing variety.

Gomez: sheer class

Morcheeba played in the the Stage Two big-top out of the rain. With Skye's big grin and east-end quips the crowd lapped it up, with 'Be Yourself' - a new song from Fragments of Freedom (in the shops tomorrow) - again showing live that this band just keep getting better.

Morcheeba: silky smooth

Meanwhile Fun Lovin' Criminals played on the Main Stage. Huey - sporting a shaved head - was in good form, playing loads of guitar solo's. They looked tiny on the stage, particularly as they cramped themselves together in the middle, but the large crowd enjoyed every song.

In the Slam Tent the marathon session of DJ Sneak and Gene Farris vs. Roger Sanchez and Junior Sanchez attracted a large crowd, but it didn't fill the tent. When Duran Duran was spun in the mix, that was the cue to leave. Tooooooo cheesy!

Ocean Colour Scene were dropped to second on the bill in favour of Moby after last weekends tragedy at Roskilde. Regardless, they enjoyed themselves, and had the crowd bouncing along.

Before Moby the promotor came on stage: "Everyone who comes to a music festival expects to go home at the end. In respect of those who died last weekend I ask for a minutes silence". One minute. Silence.

Moby came on as the rain finally stopped, and the crowd started heaving. Due to those crush worries, masses of extra stewards moved into the press pit, and a few people were pulled clear. But in the main it was just 50,000 people enjoying a master showmans art.

Moby: Angel of the North?

Despite the rain, everyone has just got on with it and enjoyed the entertainment. The ground has stayed lovely and firm without any swidgy bits, and the extras of a real funfair (rather than one ride), and tents such as the travelling B-Bar all add to the fun.

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