8. MUSICAL ADVENTURES: Eden Sessions

This might not sound like much of an adventure but it is. We've all been to gigs and festivals, ok, but a gig at The Eden Project is really something. To me it feels like an adventure in another world. Standing in a China clay pit, surrounded by beautiful plants and watching a band perform on stage with the biomes as a backdrop belongs to somewhere else. It's a beautiful spectacle and a little bit frightening, but no less wonderful.
The setting is quite amazing. The Eden project is an incredible achievement however you look at it. That it was built at all is testament to the will of those involved and the way it is run should serve as a shining example to anywhere that says it cares about 'customer experience' and never quite delivers. However, it's the message that's important. Eden is where we are stunned and shocked in equal measure: we can see what we have in our world but we can also glimpse a future where all the remaining beautiful things live in captivity. What I take away is that the rainforest at Eden could soon be the last rainforest if we carry on as we are. That's why it's frightening - and only serves to strengthen the resolve.

On a practical level, the trouble with open air concerts (the main stage faces a purpose-built open air arena) is that the weather doesn't always comply. It did when we saw Primal Scream last summer but it didn't when we saw Tim Minchin at the first Eden Session of 2012 last week. In fact, it pissed it down so badly that we had to resort to buying those horrible plastic ponchos to put over our waterproofs. Even then we got soaked. Never mind, it didn't deter us or the Eden crowd, and we were able to grab some food, listen to some acapella singing in the bakery, stroll around the Mediterranean Biome and sneak into the Rainforest Biome at twilight before braving the rain and stepping out into the arena. It's so easy, it's all there and it's all organised brilliantly. That's Eden, my musical adventure. If you can, go.

The Eden Sessions take place in June and July every year. Highlights have included Primal Scream, kaiser Chiefs, Paul Weller, Air and Brian Wilson. This summer you can see Noah and The Whale, Example, Chase and Status and Blink-182 as well as a folk session with my favourites, Stornoway. Eddie Izzard is booked for 2013.

For tickets and info go to the Eden Sessions website.