Photographer:Sara Bowrey

Rain? What rain?! The electric atmosphere Relentless NASS created here in Shepton Mallet kept festivalgoers in high spirits, regardless of what the weather threw their way.
 
Camping was very close to all the main festival activity - something that was appreciated by all given the atrocious weather, and toilets were easily accessible with some even having the luxury of hand dryers, crowded by the female NASSties furiously drying their hair.

The various extreme sports retailers in the Trade Village made sure we didn't forget to take it all in, as BMX riders flew through the air in the indoor arena making jaws drop to the floor. There were kids that looked as young as 10 with no fear speeding along the course on skateboards, and an audience in awe of the in-line skaters as they showed how worthy they were to be participating.

To get away from the pains of the mud and rain, the Happy Hookas provided a safe house for those struggling with festival life. A chilled ambience set a relaxed tone - the perfect break between artists, allowing a time for reflection as well as listening to some great acts. The Chaps' rapport with the audience made this affair so much more personal, as they quickly realised the nature of this audience, playing some truly original covers.
 
On to the music, some highlights from the 5 stages over the weekend:
 
Sum 41 - 10/10
The charasmatic Canadian rockers took to the stage at prime time to close a fantastic weekend, and what a way to end! Sum 41 played hard and partied hard, reigniting energy and nostalgia with past hits 'In Too Deep' and 'Fat Lip' causing utter mayhem on the main stage. Sheer brilliance from Deryck and the crew.
 
Modestep - 10/10
Modestep stole the show on the last night of the festival, lighting up the stage with electric beats and dubstep vibes. Dropping in tracks from DJ Fresh, Darude and even Cee-Lo Green, they took the crowd by storm. Words can't even describe how amazing this band were, you had to be there to witness this incredible dubstep sound. Unbelievable!
 
Shy FX - 9/10
Lifting the spirits of the NASS nation with the up-tempo beats and welly-stomping basslines, Shy FX was just what the doctor ordered, and left dedicated drenched fans revitalised for the rest of the night.
 
DJ Fresh - 8/10
Opening the set with a bang, Daniel Stein and company roared out some absolute classics, causing a sea of waving hands and appreciative chants from the crowd. Not as popular as you would have thought, this didn't deter the Fresh Live crew from putting on a spectacular performance.
 
Pulled Apart By Horses - 8/10
Encouragement from the crowd welcomed what can only be described as one hell of an electric performance. PABH screeched into their first song, distortion blazing. The mix of catchy melodies and high-pitched screamo vocals pulsed all the way through the tent. 'Shake Off A Curse' had the audience participating with hand claps, proving to be a huge hit. A truly fantastic performance.
 
Hawk Eyes - 6/10
Female-fronted and full of attitude, Hawk Eyes provided a whole new perspective on the drum and bass orientated event. Kicking off with screeching distortion and immense guitar shredding, the female vocals made this set, complimenting the gritty hardcore sound that could be compared to the likes of Babes in Toyland and Kitty. Although not to everyones taste and generic at times, they were tight and together.
 
Everything about this year's NASS was extreme - the sport, the music and the weather, making the most unimaginable atmosphere that resident NASSties won't forget for a long time. An amazing weekend!