THERE are two things that Dorset does better than any other county, sunshine and festivals. Alas, seldom do they ever occur together. August 7–9 the Gods looked favorably upon the Endorse it in Dorset festival and they in turn were rewarded with performances from some of the finest musicians on the festival scene.

Taking place in a fairytale woodland setting on the edge of the Cranborne Chase, Endorse it in Dorset is the Goldilocks of the summer festivals. The organisers have created something very special and unique - a festival that is not too big and not too small, but ‘just right’ in every way. Keen that Endorse it in Dorset remains an intimate affair and to preserve its ‘old school’ festival atmosphere, just 2500 tickets were put on sale. However, in order to accommodate increased demand, including people exchanging wristbands for the cancelled Big Green Gathering, the organisers acted quickly to expand the site to accommodate a further 500 people, taking the festival to a sold out capacity of 3000.

With over 70 bands across three stages and many other attractions, including comedy with Ian Cognito, the Strummerville youth music project camp fire, the all-too-tempting food stalls and a dedicated childrens’ area run by Panic Circus, Endorse it in Dorset offers plenty for visitors to see, hear and do. However, here is what makes this festival so special. The organisers also understand that people want open spaces; somewhere they can sit back, relax and just take in the party atmosphere. This is how it is at Endorse it in Dorset – it’s a simple formula, but it works.

Musically, you’re guaranteed to hear something you have never heard before. At Endorse it in Dorset you will find an eclectic mix of bands influenced by a diverse range of musical styles from bluegrass and klezmer, through to punk, funk, ska, dub and dance – and don’t be surprised if it’s all at the same time. What brings all the bands together is the high standard of musicianship that goes through the line-up like a stick of Weymouth rock. Take Saturday’s openers, Achilles - a six piece band from Shaftesbury and winners of the Dorset Unsigned Music Awards 2009. Achilles consistently show moments of musical mastery with their Macs ‘n’ Sax ™ combo that bands higher up the bill, including the brilliant Pama International and Eat Static, would be proud of.

As if to make precisely this point, the opening night, Friday, drew to a close with a triple header of bands each of whom is capable of being labeled ‘headliner’. First it was Glastonbury’s Flipron, followed by the near–legendary Pronghorn, curators of the Endorse it in Dorset festival, and finally Dreadzone, who did a great impression of the cherry-on-the-icing-on-the-cake.

Away from the main stages, the music continued over the weekend with impromptu busking sessions from Dorset warriors Who’s Afear’d and skiffle group Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs. There was also a riotous performance from Bournemouth’s up-coming The Metropolise, who started what was probably the world’s first mosh pit in a B&Q gazebo.

Other highlights included Dusty Cuts, making their first appearance and getting Sunday off to the perfect start, Attila the Stockbroker who, in addition to his spoken word set, popped up to play mandolin with Hobo Jones on Sunday morning, Who’s Afear’d who lead a whole day dedicated to the celebration of cider (Scrumpy, of course), the Lucky 7s who took it back to the 70s with classic funk, punk legends Sham 69, the magnificent Zion Train, and Sixnationstate, whose opening song, I Hate the Summer, played as the sun beat down, openly mocked the very weather Gods that are sent to try us.

With so many superb performances over the three days, there are too many bands to mention them all. At Endorse it in Dorset it’s all good - good food, good bands and good people. It’s a winning formula and one that’s here to stay.

Keep checking the website, lgofestivals.com , for details on Early Bird tickets for 2010, which will be available soon.