Some might say that attempting to leave London via the M4 on a Friday night is behaviour only a madman would consider. But Herefordshire’s Big Chill festival still attracted tens of thousands only too willing to brave the catastrophic traffic.

Those who endeavoured enjoyed live performances from band of the moment, Friendly Fires, and veteran house producers Basement Jaxx.

Into Saturday, everything happened at once. Alice Russell, Four Tet and The Nextmen all vied for the 8pm slot, which meant that none pulled the crowd they deserved and it resulted in a disappointing lack of atmosphere for each. Things did improve for Four Tet, however, who eventually packed out the Rizla tent with his signature masterfully produced electro.

Mirroring the diverse demographic of the festival, a surprisingly compatible combination of parents pushing Maclaren buggies and bass-loving hedonists, the organisers had tried to cater to every want. It just meant there wasn’t quite enough atmosphere for anyone, and even Saturday headline act, Orbital, can’t be held completely to blame for their lukewarm reception.

It became apparent that despite a hefty dance line-up (boasting the likes of Kode 9 and Congo Natty) and a worthy sound system, this festival is definitely more geared up for (clue’s in the title) chilling out. Norman Jay was relaxed to the point of stupefied on Sunday afternoon and what you could hear of gorgeous Dylan Moran’s typically mumbled stand-up had his sun-soaked audience in fits.

After an ultimately relaxing weekend, the trauma of Friday night’s journey had just about been appeased by the time it came to make the return drive.

The Big Chill had done exactly what it said on the tin.