Sunday 20/08/06 Day 2 @ V Festival, Hylands Park, Chelmsford

Butch Walker's cover of 'Crazy' floats over our heads from the Virgin tent as we trundle down to Chelmsford for day two, and, miracle of miracles, it's sunny. However, today doesn't seem quite so fun. The Dandy Warhol's set is incredibly lacklustre with a new single that sounds like a kid TV theme, and next up the Sugababes are inordinately dull with their wishy-washy pop that loses something in translation.

In fairness Gigwise we never wanted to see James Morrison, but much like the thirty-something infested tent of Girls Aloud yesterday, there is a crowd 10 people deep around his tent proving that there it’s not even an option. The Delays prove to be becoming poppier in their old age, and today’s set is a fine mix of old and new and is received with plenty of aplomb. As usual, The Feeling are sprightly and positive, doing a great set including a Beach Boys style introduction with the lyrics of 'Fill my Little World'. In fairness it is the third time this year this particular hack has seen them, and judging by today’s sunny performance, they’re fantastic – well if you like your indie-pop sugar sweet and commercial, that is.

There’s a hell of a lot to be said for munching your dinner along to Paul Weller, and the Modfather proves he is a force to be reckoned with. With a brilliantly skilled band to back him up, Weller is more entertaining than his machismo usually permits him to be. ‘Floorboards Up’ and ‘Changing Man’ are both entertaining. Neither persuade Gigwise to actually get up however; the sun is too enjoyable.

On the way to Imogen Heap you can't help but note that the Bacardi tent is absolutely pumping. In fact it makes you wonder what you're doing mooching around when you could be partying in there. Miss Heap however reminds you why you're mooching. She uses tricks and techie tools to record her backing vocals on a gorgeous choral loop. The sound is ethereal and yet much beatier with a more twisted vibe than the album. 'Hide and Seek' in particular is rich and gorgeous.

Gigwise snubs the bigger, crowd drawing acts at the tail end of the bill (a la Faithless - undeniably, fantastic live, but how many times can you hear ‘We Come One’ without wondering where some new material is?). Instead we relax in the palatial surroundings inhabited by the poptastic bitchfest that is Rufus Wainwright; or not. He dedicates 'Gay Messiah' to Madonna since he attests she has stolen his gig with her crucifixion scenario, and 'Hallelujah' has the entire audience flailing their phones in the air. After the rock of yesterday it is the perfect pensive yet lyrical finish to the weekend.

Despite all this, Gigwise can’t resists the strain of Razorlight’s America echoing from the main stage….