Of all the festivals I have been to throughout the year I think that Wickerman Festival truly captures the essence of what it's all about. It is designed for the family. It has a line up to cater for most musical tastes, relaxed, loads to see and do, and whats more its chilled...Escape from the hussle an bustle of everyday stresses. You come here not wanting to leave.

The weather proved to be good, and each year the popularity of the event just gets bigger and bigger. Well organised, good security, means a trouble free couple of days. As for the music oh my goodness I was chasing my tail between the main stage and the scooter tent and even then it was impossible to see it all. In my opinion the best line up yet,

Friday for me included the legendary Billy Bragg, Idlewild, finishing up with of course one of the 80's top bands, The Human League, who just seem ageless in their performance. Meanwhile in the scooter tent I found the most inspiring lighting and sound system to compliment the bands on stage. An almost rainbow effect complimented the likes of Isa and the Filthy tongues, the most energetic performance by 90's band Bombskare, Kid British, a corrosive performance by Root system. Eureka Machine stepped in due to a cancellation and I have to say what a great call, these guys were more in the air than on stage and when the landed by god it was with a bang... Uk subs, and finally Headlining friday night in the scooter tent were the Dickies...The scooter tent was for me the place to be and although I can't fault the main stage line up, the scooter tent just ooooozed heart and soul, the tents were full and energetic.

Saturday was a more reserved start, the momentum I felt was not of Friday night, well not so intense anyway but nevertheless a cracking day. Not wanting to hide in the scooter tent, some exploration through the venue opened up a whole world of colour, different nationalites, ages, young and old. It was a colaboration of passion for music that really made this event what it is. Saturday, when I reflect back during the day, was mainly spent in and around the main stage with exclusive shots backstage of Pearl and the Puppets as they performed in the afternoon, whilst Candi Staton and the outstanding london band Dread Zone primed the crowds for the final run of bands.

The Zutons were recieved with an overwheming response as we realise the night is closing rapidly, but then what seems a reprieve... Its the burning of the Wickerman, an almost spiritual experience as everything halts, and as the aniticipation builds, the cheers, whistles and screams can be heard as the Wickerman is set alight.

One final burst of energy to get through the final acts, Utah Saints finished the night and really for me it was time to head back to my rather lush b&b for some shut eye. Never saw the aftermath of the festival but I am sure it ended as it begun with everyone at Wickerman Festival 2009, now looking forward to Wickerman Festival 2010. If you have the chance to go see this beautiful festival, please do it, and if you dont enjoy it, come look for me 'cos I will give you as right good kick in the ass!!

All pics shot by our ace photographer Duncan Gerrie, from Nutty Photography.

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