Sanguine Hum opened day two's proceedings at the new scheduled time of 12.45pm.
This was due to Lou Richardson being unable to do her half-hour slot because of an injured hand.
I really enjoyed Sanguine Hum's original music which sometimes sounded like very early Pink Floyd and then not.
Would probably not buy an album of theirs; but could certainly see why they were given an opening slot.
Next up was Crimson Sky who I had heard very good reports about; but not seen live.
I bought their album very recently and was impressed.
They are fronted by female singer Holly Thody who has an excellent voice for their style of rock music. The only slight downer for me was that they had to play as a three piece as their keyboardist was unable to appear.
This put extra pressure on the guitarist; but he managed to carry it off.
Will try and get to see them in the future with their full compliment of members.
However, despite not being at full strength this was a good hours entertainment.
IO Earth completed the afternoons line-up and were certainly the best band of the afternoon session.
I had seen them at Summers End 2009 and knew what to expect.
They did not disappoint and the banter from guitarist Dave Cureton added to their appeal.
Claire Malin also has a great voice.
They played a couple of new numbers not on their debut 2CD album and they received a warm reception.
I can recommend the album which I bought last time I saw them at Summers End.
What next... A new album, I hope!
After over an hours break, to test out the local eating establishments, Touchstone took the stage at 6pm.
There is not a lot more I can say about this band that has not already been said before.
"Wintercoast" was my favourite album of 2009 and every time I see them live they get better and better.
It doesn't seem that long ago that we were discussing the band at Summers End in Bilston.
The topic of conversation was about singer Kim Seviour who we did not think had a strong enough voice.
How things have changed with a bit more experience and a few years under her belt.
She is now well at home fronting this band!
They played at least one new song in their set and many from the latest album.
"Wintercoast" has set a very high standard to live up to in the future.
Excellent gig!!!!!
Another 70 minute break and I went to my hotel, only a couple of minutes walk away, to put my feet up for an hour.
All this standing up was beginning to take it's toll.
The second of the co-headliners Galahad came to the stage at around 9pm.
This year is their 25th anniversary and congratulations to them on this.
There are not many bands today who will last that long together, if any.
This is only the third time that I have seen the band; but I knew that they always give their all and this gig was no different.
They played songs spanning their back catalogue plus a new number as well.
The only thing that annoyed me was during their set members of the audience kept disappearing to make an early journey home.
Surely if you come to a festival you have got to see the whole show!
It was nice to see members of Touchstone and Moon Safari (played the night before) still there at the very end.
After a couple of encores the first Winters End Festival ended at 10.45pm.
I myself had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend away in Stroud and I hope that the event at least made a little bit of money so that there will be another event next year.
My thanks go to Stephen Lambe, The CRS, the eleven acts and all the many people involved in making this the very successful event that it was.
People really do not realise how much hard work an event like this involves.
Pleased I booked Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off work, my poor feet.
10 out of 10 for this festival, magic!
http://www.winters-end.co.uk/
Progressive metallers OPETH, from Sweden, have been confirmed for the first High Voltage Festival which will take place from July 24th-25th, 2010 at Victoria Park in London.
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