By Nick Turner

Last updated 16:21, Monday, 28 July 2008

• Official Wickerman Festival website
• Follow the Wickerman Twitter feed

There’s just a week to go until the Wickerman Festival and it’s time draw up my list of unmissables before I head over the border to join the gathering said to embody the spirit of Glastonbury before it got too big for its own flowery Wellington boots.
Obviously there are the headliners Gary Numan (can’t wait) and KT Tunstall, but what else should I jot down on my list of must-sees before I get swept along by the chilled-out vibe and spend the two days on the Pimms bus?
With over 100 acts across eight stages there’s no danger of any let up in the entertainment (unlike some festivals where you can stand around for two hours wondering when the music’s going to start), but what are likely to be the highlights of this year’s Wickerman extravaganza?
The festival promises “fiery frolics” and has grown in reputation and size over the years so that it can now attract 10,000 fun-seekers and some serious heavyweight acts.
Gary Numan promises to be electric on the Friday night and KT Tunstall tops the bill on Saturday. Other big names vying for attention include Annie Nightingale, The Fall and Dodgy.
I’ll be continuing my children’s musical education by introducing them to the delights of Sham 69 (the Turner tribe enjoyed the Blockheads at last year’s Big Chill Festival so it’s time to step up a level)
I’m looking forward to catching Dub Pistols on the main stage, but I’m hoping to spend a serious amount of time in the Capital Scooter Tent which promises a thumping mix of ska and post punk. The much lauded We Are The Physics feature there on Friday, but on Saturday I’m expecting my festival music highlight to be none other than ex-Special Neville Staple. Reliving classics such as Ghost Town and A Message To You Rudy promises a sweaty time.
Away from the music my brood will have to skip the world record Mohican attempt – if only because it’s my brother’s wedding in two weeks and I don’t think he’d appreciate punk bridesmaids.
We may look more kindly on the appeal to dress up as red necks or join in the surreal headphone disco.
But our number one must-see will be the same as all the other festival goers – the burning of the vast 35ft Wickerman statue which stands over the site. It’s due to go up in flames at midnight on Saturday and should round off perfectly our wacky and wonderful weekend.

INTERACTIVE:
Follow Nick Turner’s coverage of the festival with a twitter feed of snippets and festival news at www.twitter.com/wickerman08

INFO
Tickets for Wickerman are still on sale priced at £75 for the two days, or £50 for just the Saturday. Children aged 12 years and under are free.
Buses have been laid on from Carlisle Railway Station at just £25 return.
Full details at www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk