POMP rockers The Darkness took the atmosphere all the way to 11 at Powderham Castle last night (Friday, August 26) as they headlined the first night of music at the Bear Grylls Nature Valley Gone Wild Festival.

The UK’s glammest rockers proffered up a sensational show at the family-friendly festival featuring awesome riffs and soul shaking guitars with frontman Justin Hawkins’ unique vocals belting out hits old and new that had the audience enraptured.

Also featured in last night’s line-up were Glastonbury rockers Reef with an energised performance which of course featured the perennial favourite Place Your Hands - and finished with an energetic cover version of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain.

Devon-based folk band Mad Dog Mcrea also graced the main stage and their jiggery-folkery mix of music had revellers jumping and jigging along with the band.

As well as music the bank holiday festival offers numerous family adventures throughout the day ranging from paddle boarding, archery, coasteering, climbing a commando course plus talks and workshops from inspirational explorers and adventurers including Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ed Stafford and Amanda Owen.

Once again exclusive charitable partner of the festival is the RMA – Royal Marines Charity. 10% of all proceeds from general admission tickets go directly to the charity to support serving and former Royal Marines and their families.

The festival continues until Sunday with The Script and Sophie Ellis-Bextor playing tonight (Saturday) and Ministry of Sound closing the show on Sunday.

For late ticket availability see https://gonewildfestival.com.