REVELLERS at Blissfields were blessed over the weekend as the sun came out and the rain held off.

Blissfields is in its seventh year and is organised by Paul and Mel Bliss, who host the event in what is essentially their back garden.

The inconsistent weather confused many, including myself, who weren't sure whether to put on the wellies or the sun cream.

However, this conundrum was easily set aside in favour of another, which was what great local band should I see first?' That is the beauty of this pint-sized music love-in at Bradley Farm, near Basingstoke: the line up consisted of the best bands from across the county.

On the Saturday, these included big hitters such as Dead!Dead!Dead!, Six Nation State, Plastic Toys, and Captain Phoenix.

There were also a couple of bands that I hadn't seen before that made an impression - they were Blisskrieg, of which Mel Bliss is led singer, and The Hot Puppies.

Blisskrieg's strong rocky set was obviously what a lot of people had turned out to see.

Mel's throaty vocals added power to their set and the musicianship and talent of the rest of the band shone through like a beacon - definitely one to watch in my opinion.

Six Nation State were as chaotic as usual and their infectious samba-type rock matched the weather perfectly.

Even the tiniest of people, aged about 18 months, were able to bounce along to their cheery beats.

Towards the end of their set on the main stage, a mini stage invasion, invited by the band, was neatly and politely dispersed as it was against health and safety regulations.

After the power pop set of The Hot Puppies, it was a juggling act between two Winchester bands, Captain Phoenix on the Stage Bus and Plastic Toys in the main stage.

Captain Phoenix are going from strength to strength at the moment with their brand of indie rock.

They gave a stonking set at their first ever festival and are in France by now on a mini tour.

When they had finished off, we made our way back to the main stage to catch the second half of Plastic Toys' moody and gritty mix of electronica and throbbing guitars.

It wasn't just the music that was appealing at Blissfields.

The Crown Pub, at nearby Axford, supplied the beer, including real ales from the Triple fff brewery in Four Marks, and some top rate nosh.

There was also a vegan food bar, a Mexican take away, ice creams from the New Forest and The Mashed Tea Tent, which sold everything from Earl Grey to sleeping bags.

What made this festival really special is that it was inclusive of everyone.

Kids were able to run around freely under the watchful eye of their parents and everyone soaked up the chilled out atmosphere and enjoyed the eclectic line up on the main stage and the smaller Stage Bus.

Word has got round about this home-grown festival and this year the 1,000 tickets sold out around two months before it kicked off.

There are plans to expand, but the organisers have not revealed their plans yet, other than that the location is unlikely to be Bradley Farm next year.

Not only does Blissfields champion the local music scene, it also has a very strong green message, and B7 raised money for nearby Preston Candover School and Practical Action, a charity that support communities in the developing world by supplying them with tools.

Bring on B8!