Regina Spektor‘s set on the Obelisk stage was blighted by the first real spate of Friday drizzle, but the New York singer-songwriter put on a set to charm the fans, and doubtless won some new ones too.

Dressed in a sequin-covered black dress with sharp red lipstick, Spektor ran through a set one might call ‘a Greatest Hits’, beaming through “Folding Chair” and leaving the piano to strap on a guitar for “Bobbing For Apples” (although it didn’t stay on long – midway through “That Time” she botched a chord change and confessed “I can’t really play guitar” to a good natured cheer).

The Obelisk Stage is a real gift to someone like Spektor, still of cult appeal but more than capable of entertaining the biggest crowd. The largest outdoor stage on site, it’s audible from pretty much anywhere, and while Spektor begins the set with more introspective, personal material, backed by a mini-string section, she closes the set with a enjoyably deranged hoe-down that sees crowds flooding up the hill. By the end of the set, she’s visibly beaming from ear to ear, and as she bounds off stage at the end, it’s clear that she doesn’t really want to leave. And nor do we.

As night draws in, light rain continues and it doesn’t seem to be letting up, although thankfully it doesn’t appear to have dampened anyone’s enthusiasm. On a personal note, my friends Matt and Mia’s band 2 Hot 2 Sweat are appearing in the Film And Music covering DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s “Boom! Shake The Room” in 20 minutes or so, so that’s where I’m headed. Bit wet to breakdance though. See you tomorrow.

LOUIS PATTISON