THIS year's Helstonbury Festival was especially important to me because some friends of mine from London had bravely agreed to come with me, writes Simon Gwilliam.

I can only imagine what they must have been expecting; a couple of folk musicians and a juggler in a field somewhere on The Lizard. But as we all know, Helstonbury is a very different affair.

The weekend began on Friday evening with Kids like to Rock, Al Rideout's young protégés, all of whom were fantastic. There were four acts in total. Convicted got things off to a great start, followed by The Shrooms who were the personal highlight for me, before Missing Link and The Phrases took to the stage, all of which left me confident Helstonbury would not be short of talent in the future.

Arriving at a heaving Blue Anchor before lunch on the Saturday, we savoured the atmosphere, pint in hand, while Judith Head, Kate de Wreede and Tam and Jack provided the soundtrack for the early afternoon on the acoustic stage.

We grabbed a bite to eat from the BBQ, and T Cubed, comprising Paul and his two daughters, treated the crowd to a melodious acoustic set.

While Dad's Daughter entertained on the acoustic stage, music began on the Cannon stage inside the Blue Anchor's skittle alley with Cease 1984. Crazy Horses were forced to play earlier than expected with guest vocals from the lead singer's eight-year-old son Zack.

Throughout the afternoon I was able to catch parts of every act. In the garden, Ding Dang Doo returned with some great material. They were followed by Naomi James then Tom Law with a fantastic set – another personal highlight. As afternoon turned to evening, the festive atmosphere was maintained by the dulcet tones of Bob Love and Idle Hands.

Meanwhile, The Boogaloo Dudes impressed us with a fantastic performance of, among others, The Surfaris' Wipe Out. The worthy Quarterpounders kept the heaving hordes rocking on the Cannon Stage with some classic metal numbers, helped, in part, by bassist Steve Glasson's young nephew Dylan. Stop Signs continued things indoors as Helstonbury regular Champagne Charlie and Mervin Hall played things out in style until sunset. Bobby's Helmet closed off the evening to a skittle alley packed to the rafters with thoroughly satisfied punters.

Much to the relief of some weary heads, Sunday was a more laid back affair.

The afternoon saw Jonestown, Steve Mole and Ocean Fever rouse the troops, before Helstonbury favourites Not the Beatles had us all singing along to end the evening.