The gods must have been suitably impressed with the efforts of those behind the inaugural Cork X Southwest Festival in Skibbereen last year. In a summer notable only for the treacherous, unmerciful and completely miserable downpours, the CXSW Festival was literally a beaming ray of sunlight I any otherwise s**t three months.

Out of the dark, dank, heavy overbearing clouds there came a silver lining, one which promised a day of Cork's most exuberant musical talent, including Fred, Stanley Super 800 and The Frank & Walters among others. Miraculously the sun even made a prolonged appearance capping off a fine day and successful first outing for the burgeoning festival.

They'll be hopping for more of the same this year, but whatever the outcome, the organisers can say they've done their part with regards to the talent on show. With more acts on offer and a festival fringe to boot, this years event should entice greater numbers to the showgrounds, and succeed in embellishing the festivals reputation.

Highlights include the one-time Balearic figure-head, continuous electronic experimentalist and peerless explorer of the minimal techno sound Andrew Wetherall, Preston Reed, the dexterous guitarist who's technique swallows whole an intricate amalgamation of sounds and styles from the four corners of our globe, taking in country, rock, celtic, jazz, blues in a variety of styles from the raucous and rhythmic to the rural and retreating, and Dublin's Jape, would-be heir to the electronic–indie crown and guaranteed crowd pleaser. Other acts include Cathy Davey, Afel Bocoum & Alkibar, The Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir, Fish Go Deep, John Spillane, the Ceilidh All Stars and a host of others.

In keeping with the West Cork vibe, Cork X Southwest will use local producers providing delicious organic festival treats, cooked in the slow food ethic. Local artists and sculptors, including the Skibbereen Working Artists Studio, will contribute to the ambience of the festival site. A new addition to the festival, The R 'n' R tent, will be a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the festival, hosting a variety of quirky events. Don't have the time to travel around the emerald isle?

Check out A Long Drive Around Ireland and save yourself the trip! Play Sensible Soccer with your mates for free - it's the greatest game in the world – or if that doesn't suffice give Ringo a try, guess the intros to songs within 30 seconds and be crowned the king of music bingo for music nerds. Stuck for green space in your urban retreat? Check out Malcolm Rutherford's lecture on 'Growing A Garden in Your Flat' and turn your indoors into outdoors. It all kicks of on Friday, July 25.

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