Not long after we arrived, we saw the band having a coffee (or maybe tea in Ben's case!) and a bite to eat in Cafe Reno, but we decided to head to the main arena for a pint and leave them to chill out.  We bumped into Pippin and her mum briefly in the afternoon, and later on got together with Wolverinefan and Tracey Kim.  I was quite impressed at Cyndi Lauper's vocal - this pint-sized lady has an incredibly powerful voice, and she just owned the stage! (which she had to roll onto!)  I am sure that the hardcore Cyndi supporters were thinking the same thing when Blunty came out later!!   

One guy behind me turned to his friend and said 'he's pretty good on the piano James Blunt, but he's not exactly going to be jumping all over the stage is he?'...  I had to bite my lip not to spoil the surprise, but this is what makes festivals so good - it's a great way of people awakening to James' music and banishing the stereotypes!   I also had to bite my lip at the pushy woman trying to move me to the right to push in (after we had held our spot - about 2/3 people back from the front - for hours!).  When someone keeps nudging you in the side and forcing pressure for 20 minutes constant, it's hard not to get angry  but she eventually gave up before I blew a gasket... wise lady indeed!

The band came on, and the energy was starting to buzz.  One look at Ben indicated where James was heading from, it's more accurate that any SatNav!   What can I say?  James and the band were just excellent, on top form!  They truly rocked Cornbury!  James mentioned that he has done many festivals, but Cornbury was one of the most beautiful locations. He also did a 'how are you at the back?' shoutout, followed by a 'how are you at the front' which got huge cheers, which was followed by a 'how are you on the stage?' from me!    The setlist was excellent, it was a good mix of old and new (with a few amendments to the tour setlist - cuts from SKOT and a few additions from B2B) which I think perfectly suited a festival.  I was glad that 'Into the Dark' was left out, as this feels like a boardie song for me, but pleased that 'Carry You Home' was included.  Of course, I would have thrown stones (aah, c'mon I don't really mean it... do I?!) if he hadn't included 'Turn Me On' but he never disappoints!!!   It was great to see so many people singing along to James' songs, and the reaction during 'I'll Be Your Man' - I'm surprised he didn't get mobbed the way the crowd lunged at him!  I would like to say a big thanks to the band at this stage - hearing the little rendition of 'ABC' during the instrumental was so good!   A couple of little girls about 5 and 7 on their parents shoulders were shouting 'Will You Marry Me?' and waving 'I heart JB' posters... sweet!  I befriended the youngest, and encouraged her to raise her hand during 1973 belting out 'Here We Go Again'... she almost drowned Blunty out!  These my dear boardie friends, are the future!!! (and the future's bright!) 

We asked at the security gates if they knew whether James had any intentions of coming to meet us (there was only 5 of us there - including Wolvie's cousin, who is on the verge of conversion!), but they didn't know, and couldn't find out.  I suppose it's difficult for James know where/if to greet people in a festival environment - he was nearly mobbed just getting to the stage - and they're not boardies!).  I had a feeling before we went that it might unlikely we would see James after the show - it's just a very different setup.  However, Wolvie sneaked in behind the barriers while security was adjusting the fence and followed James' scent to the tour bus - thankfully, she only bumped into security at the other end!!   The security guys found it as amusing as we did, and I did offer to go in and get her back - not sure why they refused my generous offer!   Tracey Kim, we must remember to get the leash from Ms. Honey for Guilfest, and I think it might be worth getting Wolvie microchipped at the same time!

We got a few photos of the buses next morning before we left the hotel, but after the late night (they left the festival later than us!) I doubt they were on the golf course!!   It was a pleasure to spend time in good company, so Wolvie, Tracey Kim and Wolvie's cousin - see you again at Guilfest in a few weeks!

I hate to tell you this Wolvie but you’re already micro-chipped.  I discovered it when I borrowed took stole you off Mr Blunt.  I mean the conditions he had you living in were unbearable.  You had your own little cushion with "James Blunt's Dangerous” property embroided on it in gold lettering.  You were sleeping at the end of his bed and had your own little gold water and food bowl. You were quite spoilt messed up when I carried you out of the tour bus under protest.  You are now safe and sound with me.  Perhaps that’s why you keep sniffing your way back to James’ tour bus.  I mean his scent would attract any animal female to him.

I will only let you go to Guilfest if LD promises to take care of you.  Clearly Annmarie is not capable as she is too busy sniffing after Mr Blunt herself.  LD I can trust plus she knows if she loses control of you then she will get frozen grapes thrown at her.  My grape army is at the ready and is going to watch her every move.

these were the artists I picked

James Blunt

Cyndi Lauper

Blondie

Scouting For Girls

Bryan Adams

Guess who my number one was? YES! Bryan Adams.....oops, sorry, i mean.......James Blunt!

Hope you Cornbury goers this year had a great time