Rock and Blues Custom Show, Coney Grey Farm, Pentrich, July 29-31

"ARE you loving it?" slurred the passing Scotsman, who'd opted for a pink ballet tutu over the more traditional kilt and set it off with a fine pair of rouged cheeks, writes Andy Darlington.

I'd just pitched my tent and hadn't been at my favourite festival five minutes before one of a wealth of characters had said hello.

"It's the future!" he smiled, pleased at the effects of the beer so early on a Thursday evening. Then, pointing to his face: "It's permanent marker!"

Sadly, I didn't see him again during the weekend at this paradise for people-watchers. I had to make do with feasting my eyes on other characters, such as the man carrying an illuminated, bearded rat… on a stick.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this year's festival – a Mecca for hard rock and motorbike fans for more than two decades.

The 2008 event was cancelled over fears of reprisals following the fatal shooting of Hell's Angels biker Gerry Tobin. Seven members of the Outlaws – the international motorcycle club that organises the Pentrich festival – were jailed for his murder.

2009's event was poorly attended so cash-strapped organisers were forced to go back to basics this year.

The huge outdoor stage was axed and the line-up wasn't anything like fans had come to expect from what was once the biggest and best biker festival in Europe.

Still, the all-important vibe was there, and the couple of thousand or so people who turned up were determined to have a good time.

For many, the festival is all about the bikes. For me, it's all about the music. OK, and the beer.

I was privileged to watch Derby folk-rockers No Right Turn on Friday, performing their first gig in 18 years.

Singer Jayne Cooper, backed by husband Andy and three members of local favourites Neverland, performed a wonderful set of soft melodies, the warmth of the music keeping the chills from the rain at bay.

Friday's headliners were Magnum, led by Bob Catley – the 62-year-old with more energy than most half his age, though he reminds me of Gandalf the Grey doing a Mick Jagger impression.

Technical problems dogged the start of their performance but they recovered well and ended with a storming rendition Don't Wake The Lion.

UK Subs were equally impressive on Saturday, veteran singer Charlie Harper belting out the punk band's back catalogue, such as Rockers and Warhead.

The only real let-down for me was headliner ex-Deep Purple man Glenn Hughes. Some of the music was a dirge, Hughes' endless squeals unnecessary and the bass, drum and guitar solos massively self-indulgent.

But it didn't spoil things. Let's hope 2010 is the building block for a return to even greater things in future.