Crowds descended beneath the cloud-covered fields. Wellies were the order of the day as it became a competition to see who'd be wearing the trendiest pair (before turning into foots of chocolate)!
We needed the bathroom. An experience in itself. An odour one wouldn't wish to endure again wrapped itself around those in the queue. A girl in front kindly offered a scented wipe to hold over my nostrils. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers - or else I'd never have made it!
Once inside the murky hole they called a toilet, I came face to face with something that wasn't mine on the toilet seat. Nice. Get me outta here...
Amongst the crowd we awaited the appearance of the legend that is Paul Weller and the inimitable Faithless with an excitement nearing explosion. Wow. The rain never let up but the crowd never wavered with the promise of a free beer tent from the Weller himself (only after his performance - obviously).
Damp, cold and head pounding 8pm soon came round. Time to commandeer some poor beggar's beach tent and take shelter from the good old English weather. Frequently told, "The camp site's that way!" lots of green faces passed by wishing they'd thought to bring something 'sensible.'
Tired and seemingly coming down with pneumonia, we battled on to Groove Armada in the big warm tent that was free of rain - and mud. Lost in dance and moving to the beat others watched on - whether it was sheer horror or genuine admiration we may never know. But hey. We enjoyed ourselves. Well over 30 and too close to 40 to admit we've still got it.
And that. Ladles and jellyspoons is rock n roll..........with a spot of rain thrown in (as opposed to knickers). To help plan your next festival outing go to: http://www.festivalnews.co.uk/ .