Wickerman 2009 @ Dundrennan, 24-25 Jul

One of the more distinctive – and fast becoming one of the most well-regarded – festivals on the Scottish circuit, Wickerman returns for an eighth year of family-friendly counterculture in Dundrennan. Building on something of a theme, after last year’s headline show from Gary Numan, this year sees a rare festival appearance for fellow new romantic fops the Human League: an enticing prospect, the effects of the Scottish weather on their make-up notwithstanding. Other highlights include now-seasoned festival veterans Idlewildand The Zutons, as well as the legendary Candi Staton.

Away from the glare of the main stage spotlights, the Solus tent, one of the chief attractions of Wickerman, returns this year. Last year’s attendees will doubtless recall a triumphant headlining set from Broken Records, and Solus continues to accommodate the best young talent from around the country. This year, the quality remains exceptionally high, with sets ranging from those most vying to occupy a Broken Records-like position in the next 12 months, to less traditionally ambitious (but no less exciting) young talents. Belonging firmly in the former camp are the decidedly on-the-verge-of big-things We Were Promised Jetpacks (recent signings to FatCat, with more than a whiff of ’breakthrough year’ following them around), Edinburgh’s ever-wonderful Meursault and the minimal, ghostly fever dreams of Remember Remember. Throw in the the unbelievable Punch and the Apostles' manic drunken breakdowns and the unpredictable wonder of The Second Hand Marching Band, and you might find yourself taking root in the soil beneath the Solus tent for the duration of the festival.

There are countless other pleasures to be had at the festival, of course, not least a Scottish festival exclusive by none other than Billy Bragg, and a DJ set by Hot Chip, before the climatic, and by now famous, burning of the 30ft hand-crafted Wickerman. Not to be missed.