Nursing heavy heads on a Monday bank holiday, mooching around the Saltdean Oval with performances to sit and appreciate is many people’s idea of a brilliant ending to a lazy weekend.

It had the feeling of a music festival, the announcer struggling to be heard over the top of the buzz of children screaming and playing, parents in hot pursuit. Throughout the field there were little hints at the type of artwork to come, a group of hives in the corner, impressive jugglers practicing by the park field.

The stage was set, and unfortunately the performances, on the whole, did not deliver.

The first performance witnessed by this writer was a clunky performance of Louder Than Words, two dancers attempting to outdo each other around a percussionist, reminiscent of an awkward GCSE dance piece.

This was followed, by the most cringe worthy collection of songs “performed” by Gaudini Jugglers, which ended inexplicably with them stripping down to their underwear. How it happened one didn’t know, but it was horrific to watch with children.

A terrific cameo by Reliquary, a stunning surreal casket commandeered by two hilarious keepers was worth the day in itself. Overall though, a great day saved by the audience.

Two stars