O ne of Leicestershire's newest festivals, Strawberry Fields Festival, returned for its second year last weekend.

This year saw a substantial growth for the Heather-based festival, boasting more than 90 acts playing on the four stages spread across the 100-acre Cattows Farm.

The opening day line-up was pretty decent, though sadly the rather muggy weather dampened spirits. Regardless the line-up powered on.

The Strawberry Jam Stage saw cool-looking four-peice, Themselves, who describe themselves as having "a suitcase filled with riffs and a rucksack of rhythm". Listening to their set, one could only assume this is an overly-wordy way of merely saying: Epic!

Come Saturday, the crowds piled in and the Main Stage and Dance Arena opened to a vastly improved atmosphere.

The day's line-up featured Brighton hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks. They are still rather short on original songs but did perform hit single Down With The Trumpets, as well as covering pop songs, bringing an undeniable energy that transferred to the audience.

Following them was Darren Foreman, aka Beardyman. Known for his creation of live music, he certainly didn't disappoint, creating wonderful landscapes of sounds and wooing the ever-growing crowds. His notable beat-boxing skills and live vocal modulations were like gems upon these landscapes.

Alongside the music, there was also the Strawberry Glam Vintage Fair which saw a miscellany of items, from clothing to key chains and comic book mirrors. There was also the very funky SS Strawberry Live DJ Boat that attracted passers-by into a little open air dance arena. To get around, there were also a number of festival buggies or Festaxis to ferry people from A to B.

Sunday was greatly hyped, perhaps because of an appearance from Kelis. The American diva pranced onstage dressed in an all-black latex-like costume that must have been stolen from Lady Gaga.

She then began her set, though the vocals on her first song were inaudible. Without even acknowledging the set-back, she continued, proclaiming, "Strawberry Fields, I'm not here to entertain you, I'm here to pleasure myself." I can't say it was the most enjoyable artist to listen to, but despite this, a massive crowd gathered to see her perform.

One could only assume that when considering their line-up, Strawberry Fields were too star-struck by Kelis to realise that they already had dozens of better bands playing.

Still, Strawberry Fields got so much more right. They showed real ambition for a festival that's only two years old and it shouldn't be too long before they can compete with the likes of Download and Summer Sundae.