The Magic Loungeabout 24 Hour Musical Picnic 2008

Statistically it had to happen. A U.K. festival where it didn't rain. No honest it didn't, not a drop, no mud, no umbrella moments and no farmers charging ten quid to get your car out of a waterlogged field. On this occasion the field was in the grounds of Newburgh priory, just out side of York. There was a lake, scenic views and a big posh house. This small perfectly formed little souree is limited to a priviledged 4000 and is billed as an upmarket picnic for the more discerning festival goer (so how i got in is beyond me!). There was music, wine, posh food and a selection of fine cheeses. The bill reflected this laid back vibe with mainly unrocking electronica for those amongst us who would rather shuffle listlessly from side to side than go apeshit mental.

We missed the opening act, a girl called Eliza Doolittle, who might well have spoken to the animals, but also sings as well.... our fault coz we overslept, and the sat nav proved to be unaware of the presence of b-roads in Yorkshire. We did catch The Egg though, who were thoroughly groovy, playing a set of top notch, funky as fuck tunes. Have these guys been going for ages or is my memory playing tricks?(again).

Just as entertaining was a lifesize orange cup of Yorkshire tea on legs, that danced and weaved its way through the crowd, traumatising small children in the process and causing much confusion amongst those who had drunk too much wine. There was also a big bearded bloke dressed as a leopard who, when not introducing the bands, posed for bizarre photo opportunities with badly attired middle aged women.

Pacific were pretty rubbish and non descript. The same cannot be said for Nouvelle Vague who do a fine line in camp, middle of the road versions of popular punk classics such as 'too drunk to fuck', 'ever fallen in love', 'bella lugosis dead', 'blue monday' and an encore of Joy Divisions immortal 'love will tear us apart', great fun.

A visit to the pie stall was called for. Five quid for mash pie and peas, not bad. Had a look at some yurts. Stole a hot dog. Had some Bacardi, Fosters and scotch whisky, fell asleep and woke up to Morcheeba. I expected a laid back set, but it was really rockin. Their lead guitarist, despite looking like that annoying bloke from the Halifax adverts, was sublime, and their new vocalist was a dream to watch. Nice voice, charismatic, demure and great at spinning round in a sexy way. Tempers got frayed when the overbearing security monsters took exception to a photographer getting up too close and personal (bloody health and safety), big scrap nearly happened... It all soon fizzled out and the band played a lovely set. Idefinately want to see this lot again. Oh, and their bassist looked like Barney from CBBC!

Ladytron had to go and ruin it all. One of the worst bands i've ever seen, annoying electro retro shoutyness that only suceeded in giving me a migraine.

Gary Numan did 'cars'.

Went home with a headache and a yearning for chocolate. Had a dream where i was chasing the girl from Morcheeba around the inside of a big yurt when suddenly a big leopard jumped out and hit me on the head with a giant hot dog. Apart from that, i had a lovely time.

Written by: John Haylock