The End of the Road Christmas Shindig is now a staple on the festive calendar, with high expectations of the musical calibre of acts, which this year, do not disappoint.

This year’s music comes from Ireland’s answer to Willy Mason, Oh Ruin, the wonderfully Canadian Dan Mangan (let’s face it, Canada has an impressive production line quality musicians) and the terrifically theatrical Newcastle songstress Beth Jeans Houghton and her Hooves Of Destiny.

With tinsel draped around his neck (and over his guitar), Oh Ruin opens with some Hendrix-infused indie. His down-to-earth persona compliments his slightly less shouty Frank Turner-style folk and proves a perfect opener for Seth Rogen lookalike Dan Mangan, whose brilliant set of soaring, energetic ballads ends with him snaking through the crowd to stand on the bar and conduct a mass singalong.

Headliner Beth Jeans Houghton and her band, the Hooves of Destiny, finish up with their Gabby Young-esque, grand folk. Here we have beautiful preview of some of the songs sure to feature on her debut album – due for release in 2012. Beth’s Geordie accent meanders through some honey-toned numbers, which folk legend Eliza Carthy would be proud of.

But of course, it’s not all about the live music – End of the Road, which takes place on the Dorset/Wiltshire border, is famed for its hot and spicy cider, its awesome Sharpie tattooist Kai and some top DJ action after hours and all of these are present at this Christmas shindig. Long live End of the Road!

Laura Williams