IT seemed as if virtually everyone at Field Trip Festival knew each other in some way, whether it was via an obscure, distant connection or a link unexpectedly closer to home.

And that in turn created a wholly positive atmosphere at the West Ashton weekender, organised by Frome friends Jack Clink and Ryan Allcott, who built on the success of last year’s debut outing by increasing its duration and tripling the size of the impressive lineup.

The festival, in a nutshell, is a hedonistic haven for those who like their music loud and beats per minute fast, with a vast array of both established and upcoming names from drum and bass to house and pretty much everything in between gracing Grange Farm.

Topping the bill and closing the festival was one of the most revered drum and bass exports of all time, Roni Size. There’s a reason he’s widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of the genre, with tracks including ‘Brown Paper Bag’ and ‘It’s A Jazz Thing’ leaving indelible marks on the scene.

And, as he demonstrated with his Sunday night set, he’s pretty nifty behind the decks too. Joined by long-serving partner in crime, MC Dynamite, the duo ended the festival with a predictable bang. They weren’t the only big names to play on the festival’s final day, though, with the likes of drum and bass pioneer DJ Randall and bass connoisseur Flava D also delivering the goods.

But it was a Ghetto Funk takeover on the Outdoor Stage which stole the show on Sunday - and, in the ears of many - the entire weekend. It was the finale of the takeover which truly provided the icing on the cake, with Ed Solo and three-time UK DMC Champion JFB going back-to-back, blasting through the biggest crowd pleasers in jungle drum and bass, mixing them together with jaw-dropping skill.

Saturday, meanwhile, featured a treat for house and techno fans in the Apex Stage with Alan Fitzpatrick, Woz and Jonas Rathsman all playing sets featuring many of the finest cuts from those two genres. Following them was a drum and bass triple-header in the Hidden Garden (which wasn’t actually that hidden) in the form of Cyantific and two of Hospital Records’ integral members, Logistics and S.P.Y.

Earlier on in the day, stalwart duo Stanton Warriors showcased their vast experience - and record collection - as the sun set on the festival. There was also time for emerging talents from the area to get behind the decks in the slightly more relaxed Bar Stage, with the likes of Sam Bhok, Mannerism and Howie Phillips only enhancing their reputations as ones to watch.

The festival didn’t come without its flaws, though; it could be argued that the site lacked a certain imagination, namely the Outdoor Stage, which faced out into the vast abyss of a fairly bland field, giving the impression that the crowd was never that big. Several festival-goers also complained about fluctuating volume levels during some sets, and the amount of rubbish strewn around the site, with virtually every bin overflowing.

However, they were only minor gripes, and certainly not enough to dampen spirits or the overall experience; especially considering weekend tickets only put punters £55 out of pocket and it’s in its sophomore year.

With further plans to expand yet again next year, Field Trip Festival should be added to the calendar of everyone who has a penchant for bass.