Loving Leopallooza – decks and mud and rock and roll – Cornwall Live

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Whether you are a music festival organiser or punter there is an inherent risk with such events in the UK in that you are always at the mercy of the weather gods.

And so it was for Leopallooza which was beset by rain which managed to washout the BBC Introducing stage on Friday but hardly hampered the rest of the event.

Festival revellers are hardy souls and a bit of rain and mud wasn't going to spoil their fun at the self-styled "greatest house party in a field".

The joy of Leopallooza is that it really does feel like a party with your mates that everyone has been invited to there is a relaxed and friendly feel to everything.

It also operates on a small scale which means it has kept its unique charm it is probably the best atmosphere I have ever experienced at a festival.

The other great thing about Leo is that it is the perfect place to discover new music I had hardly heard any of the bands and artists on the line-up but it didn't matter, armed with a programme and an open mind I was ready to go on a new music discovery.

So I was introduced to the likes of The Modern Strangers, Flamingods and The Japanese House who all entertained me on Friday evening and will definitely be ones that I will be searching for online.

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Main stage headliners The Cribs are more used to playing on much bigger stages so it was a joy to see them giving them all to the slightly damp masses at Leopallooza and they didn't disappoint with their brash and energetic indie rock.

Our reviewer Richard Whitehouse has a go at Beer Ping.

I wasn't quite done after that so I took a quick detour to the Mono tent where Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind were playing a blistering set which was an ideal way to end a Friday night.

Saturday morning brought clear skies and the day's entertainment was kicked off by The Rezner on the BBC Introducing stage with their vibrant indie sounds a perfect starter for the day.

The main stage was launched by Dusk At Dawns who managed to get bleary-eyed campers dancing around to their stomping country blues rock. Interesting takes on Jay Z and the Bee Gees made for an entertaining set.

Leopallooza's set-up means you can find a spot in the main arena and watch a continuous stream of music between the main and second stages with nary a turn of the head.

And so we did for Ruarri Joseph and his William The Conqueror band who delighted with a set showcasing their latest record.

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The Tuesday Syndicate were fine but a bit bland while Blue House were just odd. Keston Cobblers Club got us back on track and, being a big fan already, it was a joy to see them in Cornwall.

Throwing in tracks from their back catalogue alongside those from their recent Almost Home record mixed up with dance routines they brought a smile to everyone's faces in the rain.

Maximo Park are always good value as a live act and they proved their worth through the relentless rain with Paul Smith surely one of the best frontmen around.

I accepted defeat on Saturday night the rain was too much and, as much as I love Leopallooza, my bed was calling my weather-beaten body.

Thanks Leo, it was a blast, we'll be back next year.

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Loving Leopallooza - decks and mud and rock and roll - Cornwall Live