THE Men They Couldn’t Hang sang poignantly of the Green Fields of France, but revellers at this year’s Galtres Festival near Crayke made merry in some muddy fields in North Yorkshire.

This festival gets better each year and thankfully conditions underfoot were good enough last weekend to put a spring in everyone’s step, in contrast to the quagmire last year.

There's something to suit all musical and culinary tastes and all ages, from family fun in the Little Top, to medieval jousting, face-painting, story-telling, stand-up comedy and Bollywood dancing.

Despite the Leeds Festival taking place just a few miles away, Galtres continues to attract well-established artists, as well as showcasing proven talent and up-and-coming bands and singers from across Yorkshire and beyond.

On Friday, Buzzcocks wowed the crowds while on Saturday the Guillemots and Ash topped the bill.

On Sunday Seth Lakeman, a celebrated young folk-rock singer-songwriter and fiddler from Somerset, captivated the crowd with a mix of foot-stomping hoe-downs and socially-inspired ballards.

Later, Billy Bragg had the audience in his hand from the moment he took the stage, indulging in funny, good-natured banter, recounting tales of his early inspirations and launching into a passionate performance of protest and politically-driven songs. Age has not diminished the strength of his social fervour, but his ‘rock n’roll’ lifestyle is now helped by a couple of mugs of herbal tea during performances.

Political to the end, his set concluded with him being told Yorkshire Tea is ‘proper tea’. At which he hurled his tea bag into the crowd, exclaiming “all proper tea is theft!”

Live on The Dukes Stage, Adam Ant and his band couldn’t quite stand and deliver the panache and style of his chart successes in the 80s.

But on The Oxman Stage, The Men They Couldn’t Hang finished off with an exuberant performance, seemingly fuelled by some of the many beers, ciders and wines available throughout the festival.

The organisers should take credit for another excellent festival.

Lessons had been learned from previous years and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere, coupled with good music, drink and food, and efficient tractors to rescue stuck-in-the-mud cars, made it an event to remember. We’ll be back.

Review by Alan Hyde