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FRIDAY
One of the great things about any festival (or you may disagree) is the remarkable range of headgear. Cambridge, as with many other things, does it better. Everything from multicoloured jester affairs to this year's hot fashion item, the positively Gandalfian pointed witch's hats.
But there is method in this madness. One enterprising gang can be seen wandering around wearing very fetching golden crowns. As Matt, one of their number, explains, it's something they do every year to pick each other out in the crowd. After three years of attending Cambridge, it's obvious there are some tricks of the trade.
Cambridge has always had a reputation as a child friendly festival, but Peter Bowles and partner (sorry we didn't catch your name - e-mail and tell us!) haven't had the courage to bring their own yet, as they're still quite small. According to him, the best thing about the festival is "just the warmth of the people, the fact that there’s no threat at all, it just feels very comfortable. Everyone seems so friendly and accommodating." Of course, he also mentions the hot spicy cider…
Perhaps this explains why one of the crown-wearing gang is seen the next morning looking somewhat the worse for wear as he trudges up Cherry Hinton Road. The hospitable nature of the crowd meant that our roving reporter was nearly submerged beneath offers of beers, ciders, cigarettes and more. Of course, she declined as well as managed to upset a large gentleman from Dublin with the news that she was married.
Down by the duckpond, our very own Stuart Maconie is busy presenting a live national radio show form a picnic table. Featuring live perfomances from Eric Bibb, The Be Good Tanyas, Boo Hewerdine and Ezio, it's probably the only time that a national radio show going out to millions has been in danger of being interrupted by rowdy geese. Luckily security is on hand. We're pleased to report that Mr Maconie (a man who counts Nic Jones' Penguin Eggs amongst his favourite albums) seems unruffled by it all, and is later seen enjoying the festival from the wings.
Meanwhile, Romanian sensations Taraf De Haidouks are busy entertaining everybody backstage. It seems they're unable to stop playing. All very well, but you wouldn't want to be in the hotel room next door. Perhaps a clue to their high spirits can be found in the title of one of their songs - Absinthe, I Drink You. For the moment we'll stick with the cider, thanks very much, lads…
And guess what? Still no rain!
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| The royal delegation
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| Having a wizard time!
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| Peter Bowles (and special friend)
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