Sometimes it can feel as though most summer festivals have the same rotating lineup.

It’s often pretty common to find the same headliners doing the rounds, and the same acts cropping up year to year. With this in mind smaller festivals like Beacons are a real joy. Huge waves of new music, poetry, art, and no more than a few minutes’ walk between any of the stages.

Day one seemed to capture everything about a UK festival, weather wise at least. Baking hot sunshine brought the crowds out in a celebratory mood, punctured briefly by teeming teatime rain.

Opening the festival the like of The Witch Hunt got the head banging started on the Noisey Stage, whilst the main stage witnessed the majestic British Sea Power narrating ‘The Land and the Sea Beyond’. The day was rounded off with great sets from the likes of Joan as Policewoman, Daughter, and Action Bronson.

The sun really got in to its stride on Saturday, the day staying hot from start to finish. Perfect weather to enjoy Younghusbands, Galaxians and Hookworms, while the biggest crowds on the main stage are drawn by the likes of Dam-Funk and Jon Hopkins. A special mention must go as well, to Nightmares On Wax, who’s electronica set the night alight.

Sunday ended up being as much of a washout as Saturday was glorious. Driving rain hitting those willing to risk the dash between acts, and cold winds slipping in to the tents. There was some slight relent, which Tall Ships take full advantage of on the main stage, as they whisk through half an hour of their rockier tracks, receiving an ecstatic response to their efforts.

One of the highlights was the magnificent 65daysofstatic. The post rock group set smoke machines to full as guitars growled out amongst atmospheric music, finishing to a roar for old favourite ‘Radio Protector’. As much as it pains me to use the word ‘epic’ there really is no other way to describe their fantastic set.

Elsewhere The Fall provide a somewhat rough set, though not all of their own making. The group ended up battling both the elements (and the stage crew) to play and were eventually pulled due to the wind (though finishing up half an hour later). Darkside provide a moody and atmospheric closer, and though barely moving on stage, bring the festival to a powerful finish.

Music aside there was a huge amount to enjoy. From a viewing of ‘Pulp: A film about life, death, and supermarkets’, to the poetry on display in the Arts and Minds tent, the humour and wit of Matt Abott, a particular treat.

Whilst it may not quite rival the likes of Glastonbury for size, there was so much packed in to the three days of Beacons. The emphasis on a majority of lesser known artists made discovering new talent an inevitability, and long may it continue.