Splendour Festival 2014 - photo: Jessica Hallford
The signs are not good as I peer out of the window at the swirling greyness. But my brief is to cover Nottingham acts and Joy Mumford is opening the main stage at 12.30. This is a big moment for her having earned the slot by winning the recent Future Sound of Nottingham competition. So I trudge what seems like miles from the ring road entrance to arrive in drizzle as Joy kicks off Nottingham's annual festival.
The crowd is still small but seems enthusiastic and ready to party. And we're soon into a short set of chillout soul pop that demonstrates just why Joy, supported by her tight band, won this prestigious opening slot. She includes originals like The Fall and My Child and surprises - me at least - with a restrained, chilled version of the Spice Girls' Wannabe. Class.
It's a shame that halfway through the set the heavens really opened and sent many of us scurrying for cover. But she soldiered on, as did those with umbrellas, and there was a real confidence and cheerfulness in her rapport with the audience. She even got them to pose for a picture from the stage.
Saint Raymond at Splendour Festival 2014 - photo: Jessica Hallford
Sadly, my chosen tree has failed to protect me and I'm now wetter than a haddock's swimsuit. I bail out for a change of clothing and return an hour or so later with wellies, brolly and a poncho just as the sun comes out...
More importantly, I'm in time to see Amber Run take to the Confetti Stage. They immediately demonstrate their vocal harmony capabilities present throughout a lively collection of anthemic pop rock. The band formed at Nottingham Uni and singer Joe Keogh takes the opportunity between songs to speak of their fondness for our city and to apologise to their parents for suspending their studies in pursuit of their dreams.
But who can blame them? They play a brand of atmospheric indie with soaring choruses and are catching the attention of many. And it's those harmonies, best demonstrated at the close of single Heaven, that really stand out. They finish quickly as they're keen to see Saint Raymond which is our next stop.
Amber Run at Splendour Festival 2014 - photo: Jessica Hallford
So, back at the Main Stage, there's a good crowd building in the now humid conditions as Callum Burrows and his band are met by a few screams as they take to the stage. Instant clapping and shoulder climbing indicate a growing reputation and a familiarity with Saint Raymond's developing repertoire.
The comparisons to Bastille and Vampire Weekend are apparent as tribal rhythms and intricate guitar work maintain the excitement and keep the crowd moving. You don't get to support the likes of Ed Sheeran for nothing and the quality of this quartet shines through on favourites like Young Blood and Bonfires. There's a slight lull when he shows what he can do unaccompanied but we're soon back to crowd surfing and arms aloft as they finish with Radio One backed Fall At Your Feet. Even his Mum invades the stage!
A quick hop over the hill and, back at the Confetti Stage, A Plastic Rose are already underway. They're from Northern Ireland but now live in Nottingham and pledge to join us all later once they've dropped the van off. This is a louder, rockier sound played with energy and passion. Dualling lead vocals adds an exciting dimension and there's both humour and edge in what they do that takes things up a notch. More experienced - older! - than earlier acts they're ones to watch and Nottingham should get behind them.
Ignoring the opportunity to board the Waltzer, there's just time to take on some Splendour refreshment en route to the Acoustic Rooms Stage where three Nottingham acts will play in succession. First it's Gallery 47, dressed in black and with just his acoustic guitar for company; this is a quiet, reflective set reminiscent of the likes of Nick Drake and even Dylan. There's a dry wit lurking beneath - "I've lived in Nottingham all of my life; this one's about the riots" - but there's essentially an introspective mood of lost love and metaphorical themes underpinned by his sensitive guitar picking. Hopefully it's just a coincidence that the rain hits hard again and we dive for shelter whilst being urged by the stewards to keep moving. Apparently, the comedy stage became a temporary shelter for some.
Bitter Strings are up next and create a striking image. Three acoustic guitars including bass and three generous quiffs. Vintage smart with cravats and roll necks on display, their sound is upbeat, clean and melodic. Rooted in the sixties with hints of northern soul and a rock and roll, garage feel, they deliver an energetic and exhuberant set that even earns them a deserved encore.
And finally on to Bud. Singer songwriter Natalie Waite is from Mansfield and is backed by simple acoustic guitar and upright electric bass. Representing a brand of delicate lovers rock she takes us through a set of songs with titles like Limbo, Beautiful and Mr Sunshine. And the sun actually appears!
Happy Mondays at Splendour Festival 2014 - photo: Jessica Hallford
So, that was it. My apologies to the three or four Nottingham acts I didn't get to see for logistical and weather related reasons. I did hear that Noah's headline set at the Acoustic Rooms Stage was really good.
I sneaked a look at the Happy Mondays with Bez modelling the silliest hat of the event, as well as The Boomtown Rats with Sir Bob particularly impressed by his own snakeskin suit. But the Nottingham acts are the heart and soul of Splendour making a vital contribution to the success of the day. They're proof that, whatever the weather, Nottingham knows how to throw a festival party.
Splendour Festival 2014 took place at Wollaton Park on Saturday 19 July 2014.
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