IT was a woman’s world at this year’s Big Chill with female solo artists leading the way.

Kelis and Paloma Faith were among the favourites of the 30,000-strong crowd which packed into the grounds of Eastnor Castle Deer Park.

Lily Allen also proved a hit although she was in no mood to smile for the camera as she blocked photographers from gathering close to the stage.

The singer may have enforced the ban due to her less than glamorous attire which she put down to being pregnant.

“I packed high heels but my boyfriend unpacked them,”

she told the audience.

“He told me I'm not wearing high heels on stage. So that explains the jeans and lumberjack look.”

Other plus points included Andreya Triana who seems to be gathering quite a following in and around Herefordshire.

The young songwriter followed her impressive performance with Bonobo at the Hay Festival with another inspired outing in Eastnor.

People were stood two-deep outside the tent trying to hear her every word before they were treated to an impromptu acoustic number.

Tequila-drinking Skye Edwards made a triumphant return with Morcheeba in another win for the girls.

Edwards, who returned to lead the group this year, sang Trigger Hippy and Blindfold after slugging the Mexican spirit on Sunday afternoon.

M.I.A gave the phrase crowd participation a new meaning and was forced to cut short her gig after inviting fans to join her on stage for her hit Paper Planes.

Within two minutes, some 200 people were on the main stage and there was a crush at the front as a horde scrambled for their moment of glory.

Festival organisers, who later apologised, said the only recorded injuries were sprained ankles.

If M.I.A.’s set was vague at least it contained spirit – which was more than could be said for Bebel Gilberto’s.

João Gilberto’s daughter moaned about the sound quality, complained about the microphone holder and gave a lifeless performance that did nothing for the great name of Brazilian music.

Plan B, Thom Yorke and Tinie Tempah gave the best account of the male performers while Roy Ayers was the only man in Eastnor who could possible make a xylophone sexy.

Massive Attack proved to be the best band of the cloudy, but dry weekend with Robert del Naja and Daddy G setting an atmospheric start to the festival. They were ably supported by guest vocalist Martina Topley-Bird who eariler appeared solo as yet another female festival favourite.

■ The good

DJ Derek’s social stories of life in the late 1970s in St Paul’s, Bristol, were a great way to introduce the retired accountant’s reggae collection.

■ The bad

Festival toilets are always disgusting but these metal contraptions dropped to a new low. Where were the portable toilets from last year?

■ The ugly

Some of those appearing nude for artist Spencer Tunick’s latest installation were a bit out of shape after three days on the campsite and showing way too much for a Sunday morning.

■ And the strange

The enthusiastic yelling of the name Alan that spread through the campsite during the early hours was an alternative wake-up call.

■ THERE were just 33 arrests made at this year’s Big Chill. They were made mainly for drugs, criminal damage and theft. Chief Inspector Jim McLaughlin said: “The police and the new organisers had a very good partnership which they hope to build on for future Big Chill events.”