By Nick Turner

Last updated at 13:19, Monday, 23 July 2012

A spectacular firework display lit up the midnight sky as the Wickerman Festival finished with the traditional burning of its 30ft statue which this year had struck an Olympic pose, complete with its own torch.

The 30ft statue, which this year to mark the Olympic Games held a torch, is burned. Photo: Stuart Westwood Photography, courtesy of Gig Ape

The explosive finale was enough to make even the most cynical crusty or old punk gasp in wonder and marked the end of another classic Wickerman.

On Friday the Scissor Sisters had brought some disco-pop fun to the party.

They wowed the crowd with energetic renditions of their hits – and not just because flamboyant singer Ana Matronic had declared Scotland her favourite place to perform.

“What Wickerman lacks in wi-fi signal it certainly makes up for in a heart and soul – it’s a great family festival,” she told the crowd before launching into another Scissor Sister hit with fellow singer Jake Shears.

For two days a mini-Glastonbury had sprung up among the rolling hills of Kirkcudbrightshire bringing an eclectic range of music to the masses who had navigated the winding roads of south-west Scotland to get there.

All tastes were catered for: all night DJ sets; hardcore reggae; the new music tent showcasing the best unsigned bands; acoustic and folk. And as I queued for my veggie burger it felt like it was possible to hear them all at once.

On the main stage the crowd had been treated to the likes of Texas, the Levellers, Cast and The View.

But the main acts had to compete with the attractions of the Scooter Tent – a giant marquee which drew big crowds all weekend with its line-up of ska and punk bands.

The Blockheads showed that Ian Dury’s music could live on without him and Bad Manners brought the festival to a close with a riotous party.

Outside there were long queues of revellers hoping to join the fun while inside the lucky 1,000 or so worked up a sweat to the Can-Can.

Lead singer Buster Bloodvessel shows no sign of slowing or slimming down and after encouraging more chants about his weight insisted: “It’s fun to be fat.”

Maybe, but we all felt a little less fat after our Bad Manners workout.

First published at 11:28, Monday, 23 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk