Review: The Unthanks, Main Stage

ATMOSPHERE: We have The Unthanks to thank for the sunshine that briefly broke through the crowd this afternoon

ATMOSPHERE: We have The Unthanks to thank for the sunshine that briefly broke through the crowd this afternoon. It's just as well, as their time-honoured English folk tunes wouldn't sound nearly as swell underneath a blanket of drizzle.

There's a pleasant laid-back vibe at the Main Stage, with most onlookers choosing to laze on the grass and drink in the elegant sounds of Rachel and Becky Unthank and their fabulous band.

High: One of the most elegant band set-ups of the weekend, with tap-dancing singers, a grand piano, a string quartet and some beautiful lilting close harmonies. Their cover of the Tom Waits tune No One Knows I'm Gone was pretty nifty, too.

Low:
While this sort of music was made for a sunny day, it's a bit lost on the cavernous Main Stage arena.

Quote: "They look like they should be in the crafts area, doing a workshop on knitting" – Random punter

Verdict: Lovely stuff, but their set this evening in the Body & Soul area is sure to be infinitely more magical.

Star Rating: *** and a half