Pentangle close 'wet but great' Green Man

United Kingdom | | 19 August 2008

A soggy but perfectly behaved Green Man crowd were treated to a note-perfect Sunday headline set by classic folk band Pentangle, their first festival appearance since recently reforming, to bring the Welsh event to a close.

Despite almost three days of consistent rain and a mud-splattered site, the atmosphere remained jovial and no serious problems (apart from a few mud-bound vehicles) were reported at the eco-friendly festival, held on the Glanusk Estate near Abergavenny from 15-17 August.

Almost 10,000 people attended, including many families and overseas visitors keen to see one of Britain's foremost folk bands perform in the Brecon Beacons alongside a well-programmed mix of local and international bands.

Other musical highlights included a dreamy Friday night performance by Spritualized, a rousing homecoming set by local boys, Super Furry Animals, on Saturday evening, some superb mid-afternoon harmonising by fellow Welshman Radio Luxembourg on Sunday and a magical evening set by Iron & Wine, the latter providing one of the highlights of the weekend with some touching bitter-sweet folk performed with exceptional style.

Apart from the numerous musical attractions, which ranged from solo folk artists playing on smaller stages, such as the graceful Pamela Wyn Shannon's performance in the Green Man Café area, to larger indie bands such as The National, there were also several kids areas and themed fields to explore.

A literature tent was also a great success, with talks by Icelandic author Andri Snaer Maganason (responsible for a best-selling environmental book called Dreamland) and Pentangle bassist Danny Thompson packing the marquee.

Earlybird tickets for 2009 will be on sale soon and, if this year's slick organisation (no queues, reasonable prices, fantastic food, punctual sets and friendly stewards) is anything to go by, they just need a little luck with the weather to make next year even more special.