FROM throbbing basslines and lasers to soothing acoustic rhythms – this year’s Big Chill lived up to its reputation as the essential festival for eclectic tastes.

About 40,000 music-lovers were expected at Eastnor Castle’s Deer Park, near Ledbury, across the weekend, which saw arts and music from around the globe.

Rock legend Robert Plant was due to perform last night before Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela brought the festival to a close.

On Saturday the Deer Park Stage was headlined by US rapper Kanye West.

It was reported earlier in the week that the Gold Digger star had paid £7,000 to stay in the 12-bedroom Eastnor Castle and was transported to the stage by a 16-seater limo.

West paid tribute to the late Amy Winehouse during his performance.

Closing his set playing out a medley of her songs, he told the crowd of the time their paths crossed.

“I was at Paris fashion week a few years ago with my fiancee at that time.

“We went to a house party and I met this beautiful, amazing, talented and funny woman. This is in memory of her.”

Earlier, West had started the set from the sound tower in the middle of the field before racing to the stage. He also made an impassioned speech to fans in an extended version of Monster, railing against the media and promising to do his best performance, despite having lost his voice earlier in the day.

“For me, this is the most important show of my summer,” he told the crowd. “I’m going to try my hardest for y’all.”

Earlier on Saturday, Jes- sie J took the stage in a leopard skin outfit using a pair of crutches as she recovers from a broken foot. The Price Tag singer also performed parts of her set while sat on a large throne.

On Friday, dance godfathers The Chemical Brothers provided a laser-frenzied, audio-visual treat with robots and face-painted clowns gesturing to the duo’s signature throbbing basslines.

Chipmunk, Neneh Cherry and Empire of the Sun were also among the acts on the festival’s opening day.