Now into its third year, Charlbury's Riverside free festival took place at the weekend - despite some unwanted attention from the authorities, writes Pookie Hudson.

Cobalt 60 got things underway on Saturday with their no-nonsense full-on rock barrage. Then, as the Riverside site baked in Mediterranean-like sunshine, Five Mile Drive pitched up with their brand of indie rock. One of Oxford's exciting new prospects are Counter Zero followed. It was a high-quality set which showcased their new EP. Interseed, with their dance-flavoured grooves, were a revelation - a blistering set vying with the scorching sunshine in the 'who can be the hottest' stakes.

Grunge-influenced trio Vade Mecum delivered a storming performance, followed by Wingnut, who one year ago played their first gig at the Riverside. Wingnut have matured musically in such a relatively short time. They take power-pop and shake it by the scruff of the neck.

As the sun continued to beat down relentlessly, Whispering Bob brought some country-folk-soul to the North Oxfordshire countryside, while Narco demonstrated just why they are expected to be Oxford's next big export. Canola, with their sub-pop sound, and the Samurai Seven - all close harmonies and speed-pop anthems - brought things to an early conclusion in plenty of time for the Euro 2000 match that mattered so much.

Sunday, with its more laid-back feel attracted well over a thousand people - predominantly families.

As in previous years, the Riverside Festival was completely incident free. Food for thought then for those in authority. Next year, perhaps, they'll choose not to play silly burghers!