As the song goes ‘dancing days are here again’ and at the Winterwell festival there was much dancing and merriment. The four remaining stalwarts of the 2010 Music League have made it to Gloucestershire and the big final. The sun is bleaching the grass and turning skin red so it seems apt to start with the Drop. Bringing a little slice of the Caribbean to the farm they kick off with ‘Looking to the Sky’ and their upbeat rhythms draw a considerable crowd. As singer Dandelion notes “this is a funny little festival” as the assorted crew of Fantastic Foxes and Oompa Loompahs (there’s a Roald Dahl theme) shake their home made prosthetics in front of the band. ‘Vanity’ is their last song and begins with a quiet, intimate ‘Little Wing’ alike vibe it builds and builds until a mercurial guitar solo takes it back to its foundation and the end of the Drop’s bid to win this competition.

Fresh from an impromptu gig in the camp site Twelve Clay Feet amble onto the stage and launch into ‘Casino Rules’ a song that we are told is about “having a fucking good time with your friends” – a good choice for this festival experience. After the big Richard Ashcroft style wide screen rock of their first song the band change tack and play the barn storming slide guitar, four to the floor rhythm boogie monster that brought out the dancing in previous rounds. I am even led to believe some people reprised said chain gang dance from the Amersham Arms. Can’t imagine who…

Nimmo & the Gauntlets perform admirably despite missing singer Reva to exam commitments. Beginning with the now familiar catchiness of ‘Star Crossed’ with its foot stomping drums and infectious saxophone the band inject further enthusiasm into this afternoon’s proceedings. Obviously, during their set a crocodile’s tail is used a jump rope and no-one bats an eye lid. Ending their set with a massive clap along Nimmo & the Gauntlets undoubtedly impressed.

The final act to appear the Music League electorate is the Kid Jones with a keyboard player resplendent in kimono and turban. The Londoners knock out their U2 meets Killers style pop-rock as if they were playing to a sold out arena. The set is a high energy affair with snaking, jittery riffs and ecstatic synths featuring one particularly tasty wordless chorus from singer Dawson Hewis to close the event.

The result is well known by now but it was very close (one vote!) which just reflects the quality of acts in the competition. Nimmo & the Gauntlets played a triumphant gig on the main stage and were reunited with their absentee singer for a proper celebration. It has been interesting and enjoyable for me to document the progress of the bands and I wish them all the very best of luck for the future. Make sure you come back next year for more tunes, costumes, dancing and maybe, just maybe your new favourite band.