RIGHT, lets get the Glastonbury comparisons out of the way.

Both Glasto and Nozstock are run by a father and daughter team and both started as low-key events on a farm.

But I sincerely hope that Noz - as it’s affectionately called by its fans - never goes the same way as its larger counterpart.

Small is definitely beautiful, and this intimate festival near Bromyard definitely punches above its weight.

Most bands on the Herefordshire scene speak very fondly of Noz. They include Apples, who adore it and played a blinding set last Friday (Jul 9) while the Anomalies and Talons have also made appearances.

But it also speaks volumes that a festival that started as a garden party can attract names like The Blockheads, Stanton Warriors and Morning Parade. And if you prefer comedy, then how about Russell Howard, Phill Jupitus or Stephen Frost?

Russell was a late addition on Friday night and used his 30-minute show to test material for his next tour.

It’s a good thing the Bristol comedian was on early, as the Orchard Stage featured a strong finishing line-up with Morning Parade, Pete and the Pirates and The King Blues, described by one music magazine as “the most exciting live band in Britain”.

Herefordshire reared its musical head again on Saturday, with Nicholas Stevenson and Emily Davies both appearing on the smaller Garden Stage. The latter, performing alone and acoustically, impressed with her emotive songs about student life, love and uncertainty, and included a decent cover of Eleanor Rigby.

London band, Tankus the Henge, also impressed with their upbeat 60s sound but female choir Gaggle almost stole the show. The 23-strong group, looking like a deranged Joseph cast, said the Noz crowd looked “bemused” during a powerful set.

Alas, my highlight was the Stephen Frost Impro Allstars, which included Mr Jupitus himself and top pianist, Richard Vranch. The sketches included scenes from a chip shop, a story about Sherlock Holmes and his trouser press, and a bizarre interview about getting unicorns to throw javelins.

Phill was back later that night to perform with the Blockheads in the headline set, and was very respectful of Ian Dury’s legacy.Reasons to be cheerful? Most definitely. PF