With the weather clearly on people's minds and the mud that dominated last years festival the walk to the festival entrance everybody seemed to be suitably dressed, wellingtons, rain macs and waterproof trousers. lets hope we dont get the weather were dressed for. On entry to the arena it was clear that a lot of work had gone on by the organisers to sort out the drainage and some of the most used walkways between stages. oh the green, green fields of Donington how we missed you.

First up on the red bull studio stage were doom merchants Hammer of the Gods and what an opening - dressed in medieval robes and masks the band went about creating one of the heaviest sounds the tent will hear all weekend. 

Having heard some good things about Free Fall it was only right to stay out of the rain and watch their classic rock ooze from the stage, sounding like Free, The Who and Led Zeppelin all rolled into one. Definitely one band to add to the 'must see again list'.

Uriah Heep were bringing back the sound of the 70's on the second stage, sounding heavier live than on record the band pleased the crowd with their classics, easy living getting the biggest cheer from the huge crowd.

With their no show last year due to traffic problems on the M1 Europe made sure they were there on time this year and what a show they put on, opening with the brilliant 'riches to rags'. Mixing up old and new songs, Joey Tempest and the boys were relishing getting the chance to play for the Donington faithful and just as you thought it couldn't get any better the opening bars of 'The Final Countdown' took it up a few notches, with the crowd singing every word the memories of last years no show disappeared and we were left very satisfied indeed. 

Volbeat took to the stage with a swagger that befits them, playing their heavy rock n roll you can see why they are such a huge band across mainland Europe and they are only going to get bigger here judging by this display, they even get the chance to do Johnny Cash's 'Ring of Fire' with a lot of help from the crowd as well as a tribute to Slayer's Jeff Hanneman in the form of 'Raining Blood' closing the set with 'Pool of Booze' is a a wonderful end to an excellent set.

Gypsy Punk at a metal festival? Gogol Bordello prove this works, with every member of the crowd on their feet dancing and chanting in unison with the band, there lively set induced the crowd into believing they were heading across Latin America on a wild adventure.

Black Stone Cherry are going to be one of the biggest bands the world has ever seen, with a southern drawl, some very loud guitars and a drummer from another planet they set about proving to their fans and themselves they were worthy of headlining The Zippo Stage. Starting their set with the formidable 'Maybe Someday' they immediately had the crowd in the palm of their hands, quickly followed by 'Change' the band hit full swing by the time the opening chords of 'Soul Creek' resonate over the heads of the huge crowd that has assembled before them. With the tear jerking 'Things my Father Said' the crowd were in full voice and the tears flowed like rain, how they can sing this song eveytime they play is beyond me, I haven't lost my father but it still makes me cry. A new song is played for the very first time 'Mary Jane' shows the fans what's in store on the new album the band are working on and on this evidence were in for a treat. With the band running out of time it is left for the bands and fans favourite 'Lonely Train' to send them off in style. BSC will be back in the country next year no doubt, with a new album and tour.