RUNNING on both Friday night and all day Sunday, last weekend's Sundial Festival - which was held on the lawns of the East Cliff's Tudor Grange Hotel - celebrated the summer solstice in a folksy, chilled-out style.

The garden, decorated with marquees, art, men with long hair and (most importantly) a bar was completely packed on Sunday afternoon.

Men, women and children were spread out across the lawn, casually chatting and drinking, and giving the impression of one having crashed someone's hippy wedding reception.

Starting with acoustic girl band, Fuschia, the music on offer was almost exclusively of the relaxed variety.

In Tinderbox's case it was perhaps a little too relaxed, as most people towards the back of the garden paid little or no attention.

Djambo lightened up the atmosphere hugely, playing lively, beat-driven samba-style music and getting people moving.

They were followed by Black Bart, who gave an engaging, Dylan-esque performance, albeit with little reaction from a sun-stoned crowd.

As the air grew colder and the people inevitably more restless, Andrea Soler brought the attention back to the marquee with a cool and entertaining set, providing blissed out beats for a summer evening.

Alex Roberts, up next, continued to enthral with his melodic storytelling, delivering a strong and intense set.

Last up were Fearne, their indie-rock background seeming at odds with the general tone of the day, but pulling off a striking series of acoustic songs, finishing off a lovely day with aplomb.