Big Chill: “Even better than Glastonbury”

What really impressed me about the Big Chill was its universal appeal. I went to the festival with a group of friends who had a variety of music tastes, everyone came back with memories they will never forget. You always feel at ease with the surroundings and there is a good balance with security, just enough to feel safe but not too much to feel intruded upon. Being set in the grounds of an old castle is also amazing as there are gnarled old trees tucked away as well as lakes and streams dotted about just to remind you that you’re in the Herefordshire countryside!

Being a massive fan of dance music the line up set my expectations very high, fortunately I was not disappointed. On the Friday Massive Attack, a band that I have been familiar with since my childhood, pumped out some serious sounds and reminded you of the sheer power of music. Afterwards Hospital records were Incredible, four hours of the finest drum and bass money can buy definitely set the weekend off with a bang. Dubstep courtesy of Joker, Tomb Crew and The Bug on the Sunday night managed to get me keen for a boogie despite lack of sleep and alcohol consumption on previous nights.

One act that really stood out for me was Toddla T on the Saturday, a DJ from Sheffield who played the best set I have ever seen mixing Dancehall, House and Garage seamlessly together. The crowd went wild and I spent two hours jumping up and down like a madman. As I said there is music for just about everyone, my friends told me that Lily Allen, Tinie Tempah and Poloma faith were amazing which I don’t doubt but unfortunately couldn’t make it too due to other musical arrangements.

Last year when I attended the festival I lived more or less off cold spaghetti hoops which believe it or not aren’t the finest way to dine. This year I decided to splash out on some proper meals. Being a devout meat eater you might find it strange for me to recommend the vegetarian Mexican stall as the best thing going. The fish and chips available on site were also very tasty. Also if you ever do visit the Big Chill you MUST check out “Make us a Brew” a tea shop run by the music artist Mr Scruff, the only thing that beats a decent cuppa tea is a decent cuppa tea while listening to funky tunes. If I had a few more days and a much larger bank balance I would have tried something from every stall but I guess it has left me some places to visit next year.

To try and give this review a bit more of an unbiased view I shall warn you that the toilets are not for the faint hearted but, if you’re not prepared for lack of porcelain and flushes your really going to be a bit out of place at a music festival. Also the weather wasn’t wall to wall sunshine but I can’t blame that on the festival and it didn’t really disrupt any of my plans.

Earlier I spoke about the atmosphere which the Big Chill has by the bag load. Everybody’s stress and troubles seem to disappear and we all lived as a big, slightly dysfunctional, yet happy family. In short next year you should be there, The Big Chill is the best festival in the UK. Fact. (Yes better than Glastonbury before you ask) I expect to see you all next year which is only 360 days away!!

• Read Lucy Amos’ family-friendly review here.