IF I had to sum up this year’s Lindisfarne Festival, I’d go for the moment I was watching an Elvis impersonator belt out Nirvana hits whilst I was dressed like a Viking.

Elvana, as the act are quite aptly called, packed out the festival’s main Shorefields stage for a raucous, loud, fun-filled set – something that epitomised the entire weekend.

2019 marked the fifth year people have flocked to Beal Farm – the festival is held opposite Holy Island, presumably so the coastguard doesn’t have to spend a week rescuing hungover festival-goers from the causeway – for what’s billed as the ultimate end of summer party.

On this year’s evidence, that’s a fair billing, even if the wind did its best to but a downer on things.

In fact, the veritable gale that was blowing across the north Northumberland coastline forced a temporary closure of the mainstage at one point.

Happily, the show went on, with more than 200 acts performing across 10 stages.

Among those were headliner and Hexham-born singer Peter Doherty, with his new band the Puta Madres, and Ovingham punk band China Drum.

Both acts were well-received by audiences during their respective shows.

Tynedale wasn’t only represented on stage, however. Botanical drinks brewer Fentimans was on hand with a drinks van, while Langley-based yurt specialist Cloud Houses provided accommodation for those who were willing to pay a little extra to guarantee a dry bed.

Elsewhere, Gentleman’s Dub Club put on one of the performances of the weekend on Friday night.

Despite technical issues delaying the start of the performance, their performance had everyone in attendance bouncing, thanks in no small part to the energy of frontman Jonathan Scratchley.

They may have made the most of arguably their most famous song, High Grade.

But nobody seemed to mind as the track went down a storm.

Also impressing were another Dub outfit, Maxiroots, led by MC Tom Spirals.

Admittedly not on my original ‘must see’ list for the weekend, I – along with many others – was drawn into the Dingle Dell stage by their upbeat stylings. It’s almost certain the band made themselves some new fans that evening.

Of course, the festival’s not only making a name for itself for its music scene.

There’s plenty more to enjoy, including a so-called ‘healing tent’ that even held morning yoga classes to blast away the cobwebs (and the hangovers).

Organiser and founder, Conleth Maenpaa, was delighted with his burgeoning festival’s fifth anniversary.

He said: “We are buzzing about the response we have had.

“It was without a doubt the best festival we’ve ever put together. None of it would have been possible without such a brilliant passionate team, whose determination and talents know no bounds and of course our wonderful partners and festival attendees who continue to support our independent festival year on year.

“It was touch and go for a while as to whether we’d be able to reopen the mainstage in time for the main acts on Saturday after high winds caused a tear in the marquee roof, forcing the venue to be temporarily evacuated.

“It was a stressful time. The winds were strong, but our team were stronger, responding quickly and professionally to ensure public safety and the continued smooth running of the event.

“We did have to make some last-minute changes to the schedule, with some bands being moved to different venues, but everyone was so understanding and patient and thankfully the show went on and all the bands blew everyone away – no pun intended!”

Organisers are now making plans for next year’s event, with a crowdfunder set to launch on October 1.