SUNDAY saw the triumphant return of the bigger and better than ever YO1 Festival at Knavesmire.

Now in its third year, the festival brought a diverse selection of musicians from around the country and beyond to within walking distance of the music-loving people of York, drawing a crowd of over 6,500.

After last year’s organisational hiccups, the organisers got it spot-on this time, with a delicious range of food stalls, bars with plenty of choice of drink, small queues and all the other facilities you’d expect from a family-friendly, all-day and evening festival.

With plenty to choose from, stand-out acts included Renegade Brass Band and Abstract Hip Hop Orchestra, both bands creating a fusion of hip-hop, funk and soul through classical instruments.

On the main Nightvision Stage, American headliners De La Soul gave the masses a treat with a set full of their smash hits from the 1990s and beyond. BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Mistajam then took on DJ duties, delighting the bouncing crowd with his blend of hip hop, garage, bassline and whatever else he fancied throwing into the mix, including the classic Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air theme tune.

Sub Focus then played a set of drum ‘n’ bass and breakbeat, ably assisted by MC ID, whose encouraging shouts kept the crowd jumping.

Elsewhere, the BBC Radio York Stage showcased local talent, including York’s well-established trip-hop band Grinny Grandad, while And The Hangnails brought abstract rock’n’roll to the Please Please You stage. As well as the fantastic music, graffiti artists and breakdancers entertained around the site, while the Aspire TV Stage livened up the airwaves with local acts such as Lego, Kritikal and Beth McCarthy from The Voice.

The Bison Coffee Stage featured indie bands like the folksy Boss Caine, alongside some masterful coffee and cake creations, while the Irie Vibes Stage kept the hip hop heads happy with local legends Yorkshire Tea Party, Dutty Hands and Cranky General.

The Ministry Of Sound and Flux stages pumped out EDM and house for a solid 11 hours while another stand-out act on the main stage was The Mouse Outfit with their jazz-influenced hip hop sound, and some exceptional displays of MC-ing from Dr Syntax and Sparks.

Away from the music, all ages could enjoy the inflatable slides, bouncy castles and Gladiator-style foam batons.

Four Shadows Theatre entertained throughout the day with their innovative approach to contemporary performances while the varied food selection included Spanish-themed Las Paelleras, the tasty veggie Chaat Cart with their “Dhaal La Soul”, and quite the selection of pies and pastries were on offer alongside 52 cask ales and 22 Ciders at the much loved House of Trembling Madness.

Judging by the smiles on the contented crowd as they meandered away from Knavesmire at 11pm, it seems YO1 is fast establishing itself as a fun, successful and artistically diverse festival that will no doubt be eagerly anticipated for its fourth outing next year! The festival season has now officially begun!