Yesterday, I was looking at new mobile phone contracts for the wife. O2 are offering a ridiculous number of minute and texts for very little, but on an 18 month contract. The concept of an 18 month contract scares me, to be honest. I don't want to be stuck with O2 for that long without at least the option of escape!

I looked at T-Mobile, I looked at Orange, I looked at Vodafone. I looked at independent retailers. They were all rubbish. In order to get anything like a good deal these days, you have to sign up for an 18 month contract. It's rubbish. However, this is where Virgin Media come in.

Through a stroke of good fortune, a pair of tickets for the famous Oakwood Real Ale and Music Festival were on offer at the Hillsborough Hotel quiz, so on Thursday February 15th me and Andy set off on an epic quest. Catching the bus to the neighbouring town of Rotherham, we worked our way to what promised to be a fine night of ale and merriment. With more than 200 ales at 11 bars, 5 live acts on stage and a mascot called 'Baa'sil, it was shaping up to be a good night.

Straight after work (on a school night, no less) we headed to Rotherham town centre on the number 69, then spent a few moments wandering aimlessly up and down Rotherham bus station wondering where on earth the number 25 might stop. Fortunately the bus driver was more than prepared for us lost Sheffielders and helpfully told us where we were supposed to be headed. A few minutes more and we arrived at the doors to the festivities.

After getting in with our freebie tickets, we grabbed our programs, glasses and tokens. The glasses were very nice indeed, and were a perfect fit for my inside pocket. Perfect for keeping it out of the way while between beers! After standing in between the buildings for a moment in awe of the sheer scale of the festival, we decided it'd be for the best if we started at the top. After all, it's always nice to roll down the hill later on.