Other Voices festival update!

The completely sold out, five-day long festival that is Other Voices in Dingle has kicked off over the past few days. Each night plays host to at least four acts on in St. James' Church, with all performances from the first four nights being broadcast live on screens and through the Wi-Fi of multiple bars and restaurants in Dingle. In case you've missed any of it, Hot Press has sent our intrepid correspondent Roe McDermott to check out the scene. Here's what she's had to say about the first two nights of music.

The big news coming from Saturday night was that Laura Marling was forced to cancel with a viral infection; ringmaster of the night Richard Hawley joked that he sent a doctor over to "make sure she wasn't lying." Nevertheless the show soldiered on, as Hawley curated the evening alongside special guests Jarvis Cocker and Lisa Hannigan. Hawley paid tribute to his idol Lee Hazlewood playing songs such as 'Girl On Death Row,' before producing a haunting version of 'Hush A Bye Mountain' by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Hannigan.

Joining Hawley on stage was Jarvis Cocker, who earlier that day had gone to visit Dingle's own Fungi and returned very impressed, admitting that it would have made a better story had Fungi joined him on stage for some backup singing. Regardless, he gave a good performance, including his song 'Something Changed' which he said was written so long ago that you could claim it was a different person, before ending on a rendition of Elvis' 'One Night.' Then to end the night, Hawley Cocker and Hannigan all returned to the stage to deliver a gorgeous version of 'Silent Night.'

Sunday night headliners were The National who gave an incredible performance, including hits like 'The Runaway' and the title track off their latest album, 'High Violet,' eventually finishing up with a raving rendition of 'Mr. November.' Then came along John Smith, a British guitar player who gave a great performance despite being quite nervous seeing big bands go before him. His humbled set included songs 'Swords' and 'Winter,' proving him to be the next big thing.

Cathy Davey came on slightly unprepared for her set. She had a long restart on a couple of songs such as 'Bad Weather, losing the atmosphere slightly, but eventually found her stride and submitted a performance that suited the venue well. Finally, Ellie Goulding finished off the night playing 'Guns and Horses,' 'Under The Sheets' and her top single right now 'Your Song.' She then played 'Salt Skin' and 'Starry Eyed' with her gorgeous band which included three violinists and a cellist, displaying her beautiful promise.

Later today Hot Press will be catching up with Everything Everything, And So I Watch You From Afar and James Vincent McMorrow, all of whom will be hitting the stage tonight in addition to Lissie and Smoke Fairies. Other Voices soldiers on until Wednesday evening.