THOSE at day three of the Carling Weekend 2001 could sense this year's festival season is almost over.

But in a Glastonbury-less year, those who were there were determined to enjoy things to the end.

By yesterday, three days of strong lager and heavy rock had taken their toll on the crowds, but an excellent Sunday line-up dismissed any chance of a festival fizzle-out: the event would close in style.

Perhaps aiming to give the last day a more Sunday-like feel, the organisers had thrown in a few slightly mellower acts.

Having said that, Feeder were kicking the night off and had no intention of easing up by tearing their way through fifty minutes of power punk pop.

Next up were Supergrass, a band who've been around a long time but perhaps not attracted the credit they've deserved.

Not that they were bothered. They strolled onto stage and stormed through all their top tunes and more - almost without breaking sweat.

And sweat isn't something to be seen on the brow of Fun Lovin' Criminals frontman Huey either, as the band effortlessly take the crowd in the palm of their hands with a fantastic hour of New York blues-funk.

As they left the stage triumphantly, night was falling - when festivals really come alive - and this one was beginning to buzz.

The crowds were flocking for the main stage, as the band many people had no doubt come to see - The Manic Street Preachers - were on next.

With a feeling better things could be found elsewhere, though, the Evening Session stage was next stop.

And there were Mogwai. Many festival sets are memorable, but this was a masterpiece.

The band's many parts, which include a violinist and a cellist, combined seamlessly to craft together a performance of breathtaking power.

Superb stuff to round off what has become a well established and welcome northern festival. Here's to next year.

Updated: 11:21 Monday, August 27, 2001