Sunflower Power

So Duke Special is down at Holywood Arches in east Belfast, walking his kids to Avoniel Leisure Centre. It's a bit hectic with the road works and the traffic is all entangled. But then the window rolls down on a huge black people carrier. Two voices shout out.

"Hey, Duke Special!"

The singer looks up, and he's staring straight into the giddy faces of John and Edward. Fame at last.

Duke is telling us this story from the stage at Sunflower Fest, a weather-kissed festival close to Hillsborough and Lisburn. Everything looks well at Tubby's Farm. There are many families and approving music fans. The food stalls are cool, the barn is rocking and a natural amphitheatre is playing host to acoustic acts.

Meantime on the main stage, Duke Special is reminding us of all his great moments. We've heard so many different projects from the guy in recent years, so the chance to just hear the hits, supported by champ percussionist Chip Bailey is exactly what you need on a sweet Sunday evening.

In the past few hours we have seen the Inishowen Gospel Choir and Cashier No 9. We've found delight with Rams Pocket Radio, A Northern Light and met with a succession of beaming campers. Everyone is saying complimentary things about organisers Mike and Vanessa, the excellent location and the considerate ethos. We'll return, for sure.

The curfew has sadly passed. Duke has already delivered a bold stage dive. But how to encore without amplifiers and testy neighbours? Easy. Duke is singing without a mic and Chip squeezes a harmonium and it carries over the field. It's the Joy Division heavyweight, 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'. We sing it like we mean it, long after Duke has left the stage. A moment, beautiful and true.