From the non-stop beautiful weather to the relentless stream of talent pouring from every stage, it would have been impossible to find one bad point in a day so laden with goodness.


While 2007 raised the bar in terms of maintaining a full day's entertainment, 2008 jumped it by a comfortable margin with epic stand out performances from bands such as Triggerman, General Fiasco, Fighting With Wire and the memorable, now customary, stand out DJ set from Deep Fried Funk towards the end of the night.

But picking a few from a handful doesn't do justice to the vast array of bands who realise the potential Glasgowbury has in raising their profile. It may only be a mountain in Mid-Ulster, but it's a big, big stepping stone.

And this year, again independently devised and run, Glasgowbury showed the watching world how to put on a show. Mid-Ulster Mail cohorts Iain McKenzie, Niall Kerr and music encyclopaedia Jonathan Walmsley took to the fields overlooking the Sperrins and tried to catch as many bands as humanly possible on one glorious Mid-Ulster day.

The one thing immediately noticeable as entry was gained via the super-strict security, was the vastness of this year's layout. Re-vamped stage and tent layout allowed for much more freedom and space around the site and it also meant noise from one wouldn't mix with another.

So as we made a b-line for the Spurs Of Rock Stage to witness Castledawson's Interrogate; beer in one hand, early morning burger in the other, we passed by Omagh's Colenso Parade at the G Sessions Stage, utilising their punchy indie rock to draw in the first of the morning crowd who were starting to feel the festival vibe kick in.

Sword Chant were just finishing up on the Spurs Of Rock, with their loyal fanbase in tow, as we arrived awaiting Castledawson's finest. Their hardcore metal poured out of the tent with venom and the early morning crowd were starting to get around.

Campbell's infectious ramblings were sparking a light with those who stopped by and as one of the few hardcore bands of the day, Interrogate stood on a platform all of their own. 7/10

But it wouldn't be Glasgowbury without some Inishowen Gospel Choir who were lording it up on the main stage. The image of a such a huge ensemble ripping cover versions was an image to behold and relaxing in the baking sun that began to break out, the Gospel Choir were an instant hit. 7/10

Around in the acoustic tent another Mid-Ulster talent was shaping up nicely, as Joe Echo strutted his stuff in front of a packed tent. From the opening knockout of Personal Alcatraz, Gribbin, and younger brother John on the telecaster, were causing many heads to turn.

His storytelling ability is second to none as recent singles will testify to and he pulls out all the big guns during this afternoon performance. What If and Breakaway convert the uninitiated while those who know bask in the surreal beauty created. 8/10

Back in the campsite there were a group of dodgy looking boys dressed in graffiti soaked forensic suits. Had it been anyone other than Mantic, we'd have been scared. They were there drumming up some late support for their Small But Massive Stage debut as a full seven piece.

Their efforts were rewarded when the first huge crowd of the day parked their ears at the main stage creating the day's first real rock vibe and amid a huge swell of intensity, Mantic tore onto stage in appropriate dresswear launching into a huge jam session before an animated komodo wearing Victoria emerged and Cacophany was born.

It's easy to see why the band are so excited and why they've been tipped for great things in the coming year as Mahogany Gaspipe was eaten up by the eager masses. Neither a band t-shirt or cd was left as the day concluded. You would have had to feel sorry for The Dagger Lees next door though as Mantic stole just about everyone's crowd. 7/10

Following Mantic were Panama Kings, both a hot tip for the day and the years ahead. Their alternative rock sound has had them praised as one of the hottest tipped and indeed coolest bands in the country.

And from the dance happy, sing along nature of Your Children Are Screaming to recent single Young Blood, the Kings are well in control and effortlessly so. Kennedy houses the power to look both disinterested and enthralled in the one stare and the crowd respond accordingly. 6/10

Making our way back to the acoustic tent (via the beer tent x10) it's time to catch some Keith Harkin, boy wonder. Already a hit in America, Harkin and his guitars relay songs of love and hope that are easily gobbled up by his adoring fans and those yet unaware.

The Derry boy's appreciation of so many styles bounce off one another accordingly and he shrills, serenades and seduces his way into the open hearts of the crowd. 7/10

General Fiasco kick things off prematurely (according to our program at least) and in a mad dash to the main stage we catch the last half of a set that steals the crown from Mantic in terms of largest crowd.

They were good last year just a few short months into their career but with the experience they've garnered throughout the last 12 months, General Fiasco have fast become the most bankable band around.

If you thought Panama Kings were cool, you have yet to experience these boys at their best. Rebel Get By finishes off a set that elevates GF to a whole new level of praise. 9/10

Immediately afterwards on the main stage its the turn of And So I Watch You From Afar to turn style on its head once again. One of the bands who relish every opportunity, particularly Glasgowbury, ASIWYFA continually add something new to the mix.

New is merged with old as they thrill a huge crowd with their instrumental goodness. A staged invasion from Panama Kings, members of Team Fresh and various other musical luminaries towards the end gives them a voice and the crowd a reason to party.

And further taking a leaf from the FWW book of how to act at festivals cds are dispersed amid the crowd. Altogether they create the full festival atmosphere and all within just 45 minutes. 7/10

Then it was back to the Spurs Of Rock for what was to be the highlight of the day. Triggerman emerge with shiny bald heads and an urgency to inject some much needed heavier moments into the day.

Bap is truly the ultimate front man and he leads Triggerman on a chaotic journey from Valhalla to whisky rock and roll heaven. The crowd re-act accordingly and the moshing begins much to the alarm of the sole security guard who struggles to maintain calm. Thankfully for the crowd, he fails.

At times cheesy, most of the time fun, and all of the time superb, Triggerman tick all the right boxes and are by far the most exciting band to grab Glasgowbury by the scruff of the neck and beat it with a sheet of metal. 10/10

A short beer break cuts up the anticipated wait for Fighting With Wire, Glasgowbury veterans, who since last year have been on a rollercoaster experience with a record deal secured and appearances at gigs and venues across the world.

Irregardless of the fact Ash were still set to perform, FWW were practically considered headliners, returning home to their roots for what everyone knew was going to be a stormer. And they fail to disappoint, igniting Man vs Monster on a wholly appreciative crowd who welcome home their brothers.

Such is the band's respect for this festival that has nurtured them from the beginning that the man stupid enough to fire a beer cup stageward receives a mighty tongue lashing from an irate and ultimately protective Cahir.

In all, the set is as polished and tightly put together as musically possible as Everyone Needs A Nemesis, the brilliant Cut The Transmission and crowd pleasing Strength In Numbers combine to make it their most memorable show to date. 10/10

By this time Deep Fried Funk are well into their set in the G Sessions Tent, making their customary performance stand out in a day mostly absent from dance. And the packed tent is testament to just how much these guys are respected. Would it be Glasgowbury without Deep Fried Funk? 9/10

And without warning it's back to the mainstage as Ash set about taking the coveted headline position and making it their own. To have lined Ash up for the big day was a fantastic achievement for the organisers and as the rest of the stages close down for the night, the bulk hit the main stage with a glint in their eye.

And Ash do exactly what they say on the tin. No thrills or spills, they're a tightly knit trio of musicians who do what they do very well and the majority of the crowd loves it, singing along at every opportunity to the likes of Girl On Mars and Kung Fu.

And what a pleasure it is to see the band getting into the Glasgowbury experience - drummer Rick was seen enjoying the bands all day long as he stalked the festival talking to whoever and basically enjoying it all.

Their attitude epitomises all that's fine and good about Glasgowbury and they wrap up their set with full crowd appreciation having just given life to the small but massive motto. 6/10


And so Glasgowbury 2008 ended with as much hype as it began and raised the bar in terms of delivering top quality international and local music in one place, in one day and in one spirit. Their only problem now - how do you better perfection?