Festivalnation

So begineth the summer with the pilgrammage to Avalon, hopping out of the van in Crocs into it's muddy waters- later in my sleeping bag I swear that my feet felt great for the mud splash experience such is the Glastifari magic and the following day the sun did shine. After installing in Avalon and the BBC's Garden backstage we have the weekend to enjoy the festival. Highlights of Pilton this yearafter catching up with old friends were all musical from Little Dragon, Hercules and the Love Affair, Morrissey, Metronomy, Gruff Rhys, Jah Wobble, Lee Scratch Perry, WarPaint, Pentangle, Thea Gilmore, System 7, Ron Sexsmith, Linda Lewis, Nick Turners Space Ritual, Queens of the Stone Age and Stereo MC's...plus I caught a litlle bit of this and that Aloe Blacc was a voice to hear.....We packed up quick and left soon as and after a quick pit stop for the tipi we headed to the Ribble Valley for Beat Herder. Now tis a secret so don't tell anyone really you must keep it to yourself it is a great little festival. I do have a little bit of a soft spot for that part of the world having spent several years living, studying and creating a few miles down the road and even spent a night camped on Pendle Hill(which overlooks the site) when expecting my son. A very beautiful site it is with a large grove of tall coniferous trees in the centre and a natural ampitheatre for the main stage. Tho the weather was a highlight the people, crew and the art where too with a dazzlingly talented bunch of musos and DJ's to worship til the sun came up Horace andy, Afro Celt .Sound System, John Carter and my fave to rave Andrew Weatherall..really ... plus lots of suprise people turning up ... I am not going to tell you too much more. If you want to go you are advised to buy your tix early as they are bound to sell fast for 2012...one of the best I have attended in a long while.