Clare Teal: Early start for a packed day of live music in the park

Once in the car and heading to London, Muddy and I discussed who we were most looking forward to hearing at Radio 2’s Festival in a Day live from Hyde Park. We arrived on site amidst the backstage chaos and bustle of a mini festival village. After sitting in the wrong make-up area for half an hour we eventually found the right one, where I was told off for being late. Unfortunately one of the bands I most wanted to see played during this kerfuffle, but the bit I heard of The Trecherous Orchestra made me definitely want to see them again in concert.

A collection of Scotland’s finest musicians, pipers, string players, drummers and woodwind players create fantastic soundscapes of exuberant folk. Very exciting indeed. After a great set from Simple Minds, I along with the Dark Lord – Alex Lester – had the honour of introducing jazz sensation Jamie Cullum at 1.58pm to the 40,000 strong crowd.

Alex entertains the nation between 2am – 5am Monday to Friday, Muddy and I thank both him and Janice Long on a regular basis for keeping us safe and awake on the roads when we’re travelling back from gigs, both great broadcasters and lovely people. In addition to the main stage there was the Introducing Stage showcasing the best up and coming talent of all styles and genres. Jamie went down a storm, as did the other acts, Texas had special guest Richard Hawley up their sleeve and I very much enjoyed his and Sharleen’s rendition of June and Johnny Cash’s I’m Going To Jackson.

Another standout moment for me was Jack Johnson casually strolling on to the stage with just an acoustic guitar singing Better Together as if it was a most effortless and everyday activity. James Blunt crowd surfed, Manic Street Preachers displayed their Welsh flags then as the temperature dropped I feared for Jessie J’s health. Let’s just say she didn’t dress for the weather. The smorgasbord of entertainment ended with legendary Smokey Robinson reeling off hit after hit.

An 18-hour round trip but worth every second to see such great live music.