What a lovely festival

[beckstrous]

Green Man regular here - and End of the Road first-timer. Wasn't sure what to expect from EOTR but ever since I first started going to Green Man I've decided I rather like the smaller festivals. And what a lovely festival EOTR turned out to be; everywhere you look it is evident that such a lot of effort has gone into every aspect of the festival, from the choice of caterers and beer/cider to the art installations and little secret touches (loved the dancefloor in the woods!). And the line-up, of course.

It was a treat putting our tent up whilst listening to Willy Mason in the Tipi tent nearby and really enjoyed watching Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan on Thursday, having been a fan of Mark Lanegan's for many many years - enjoyed them but found I couldn't actually hear Isobel's vocals all that well. Absolutely loved the cider bus and was happy to see many of my food favourites from Green Man also at EOTR (I adore the Goan Seafood Company and managed to buy something from them every day!).

I was amused to see Lee Gorton wandering around the site - didn't realise he was actually DJing until we looked at the programme and assumed he was just there as a punter. We saw him on several occasions, initially on the Thursday - we see him at Green Man every year, too.

I think Elliott Brood were the first band we saw on the Friday and I was quite impressed with them - they were fun. The Mountain Goats and Wolf Parade were great and I also enjoyed Plants and Animals. Saw The New Pornographers after that - one of my favourite bands but I must admit I thought they had been better at Electric Picnic the previous weekend, where the crowd seemed a lot more enthusiastic.

Saw a bit of comedy Saturday, and I thought the two comperes from Pappy's were really good. Phil Kay was a highlight. And then Citay in the Tipi - they were absolutely fab! Monotonix were a riot, Brakes are always a bit of a laugh and Caribou were absolutely outstanding. I had seen them at Electric Picnic the weekend before too, and I thought they were miles better at EOTR. Was a bit disappointed to miss Black Mountain but you can't have it all. I think we were wandering about watching bits of Yo La Tengo and looking at the pretty lights in the woods...

Sunday - really enjoyed Robin Ince and Michael Legge - we'd seen Robin Ince at Green Man so I knew he would be funny. Philip Selway was a bit dull, I thought - but I loved Mountain Man in the tipi and after them, Deer Tick responded heroically to a power cut by playing in the dark a capella. Very good fun. The Antlers were brilliant and Wilco - well, they are always very good live and 'twas a good way to round off the fest.

Thanks for such a great festival. Wasn't sure what I'd make of it all or whether I would just end up comparing it unfavourably to Green Man but I have to say I absolutely loved it and am now a bit sad that the festival season is over! Thanks to the organisers.