With Chhay’s big 3-0 approaching we suited up for our final assault on all things rock festivally (at least the last one we’ll camp at – according to the Guardian once you turn 30 you are too old!) The destination – Inverary with the inaugural Connect Festival set in the picturesque grounds of the local castle. Billed as a ‘boutique’ festival and with a line up seemingly tailored to anyone who grew up in the 90’s, expectations were high, and most of Glasgow (at least the bit’s we know) seemed to be going.

With Chhay & my holiday allocations maxed out we could only head up after work on Friday – thankfully (big thumbs up guys!) Claire & our friend Mike had the day off and not only scored us a prime campsite but also erected our tent so we could swan in later and catch most of the bands we wanted to see. So although we missed CSS and Jarvis Cocker as we trekked in from the car park (strike one to high expectations) we managed to arrive in time for a strong set from the Jesus & Mary Chain, that brought all the old Glasgow rockers out of the campsite.

Another trek across to the second stage (15 min! – strike two) and we were able to bob to a couple of the Go Team!’s tunes (much better than when we caught them at last year’s Big Day Out in Melbourne) before turning and racing back for the start of the headliner for the evening the Beastie Boys!

Production values were high, the crowd was fired up – a transparent amp and mixing desk adding a touch of cheesy chic. They played a great set list included many of the classics classics but with some of their newer funk instrumental tunes thrown in. It was a great way to kick off the festival, and we kicked on afterwards with some great guest DJ set from Mogwai at the Rizla.