The planning for 2006 began last year, in fact not long after VEF 2005 took place (yes, it really does take that long to sort it all out!). With all the ideas in place, fundraisers all over, bands and DJs booked, food and drinks ordered, the Collective turn their sights to the Castle itself. It then takes a further week to turn the 6000-year-old fort into something fit for a festival.  | | Falleniza Horsepower. |
After all the planning, Sunday finally arrived. At 10 o'clock in the morning there was still plenty to be done, with the pressure on to get things ready by the time the crowds arrive. By midday, the huge sound-system was ready to go, the bar stocked and the first Lightening Burgers thrown on the barbeque. And finally the Vale Earth Fair 2006 was underway. My first few hours were spent flipping burgers in the food tent to the delightful sounds of the Baroque Band, who opened the Main Stage. Between burgers there was just enough time to peek my head out of the tent to see how the castle was filling up and already the arena was carpeted with blankets and people.  | | Mark Le Gallez of Thee Jenerators. |
After a few hours in the food tent it was time to see how the rest of the stages were shaping up. By half past 3 in the afternoon the Discharge Soundstage, Breaks ‘n’ Beats Tent, Dance Zone and Semi Stage had already drawn quite a crowd. It really felt like the Fair was in full swing, as both the acts and the crowd were getting bigger. It was only after that that I noticed how long the entry queue was and things were about to get a whole lot busier.  | | Joe Driscoll. |
Following on from Thee Jenerators, New York’s Joe Driscoll had quite a performance to follow. However, this one-piece band was more than enough to captivate a standing room only crowd. His set was quite literally created in front of the audience using a combination of beatbox, guitar, vocals and didgeridoo and ensured a sea of hands (including my 50-something year old Mothers') in the air. DJ Oneofakind along with comedy anecdotes from Grant Sharkey of Toupé kept the crowd entertained between acts and anticipation escalated for headliners, The Herbaliser.  | | The crowd at the main stage. |
They have been on the Earth Fair wish list for quite some time and did not disappoint. With a four-piece brass section on-stage alongside bongos, drums and vinyl, it was more than enough to make our 30th Anniversary something to remember. It's best I don't admit what time I finally made it to bed but most definitely the best Earth Fair I've been a part of. And if you want to share your thoughts of the day or any photos you have with us, send us an email to [email protected] Photographs courtesy of Mike Bonsall. | 
