AS The Verve took to the Pyramid Stage on the final evening of Glastonbury Festival 2008, festivalgoers took time to reflect on one of the most exciting festivals in recent years.

Around 3,000 tickets remained unsold just a week before the event, with hip-hop headliner Jay-Z and the inhabitable weather during past festivals taking the full brunt of the blame.

However, Michael Eavis' gamble of placing an unpopular act in a headlining slot has almost certainly paid off as the 2008 event could go down as one of the most memorable in history. Despite a deluge of rain on Thursday evening, prompting thousands to don their wellies and ponchos, the weather eased off and the scenes of last year's mud baths were thankfully a distant memory.

Despite reported crimes doubling those of last year, revellers remained upbeat throughout and never let the risk of theft deter their spirits.

Kate Nash kick-started the proceedings on the Pyramid Stage early on Friday morning and delighted the audience with a routine packed full of her chart-smashing tracks.

Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong, Patrick Watson, Lupe Fiasco, We Are Scientists, the fantastic Vampire Weekend, Jimmy Cliff and the immensely popular Kings of Leon all performed throughout the day.

Saturday's controversial line-up was always going to be the main talking point of the festival. As the day drew on and the excitement reached boiling point, all eyes were firmly on Amy Winehouse and Jay-Z.

No stranger to controversy, Winehouse further added fuel to her questionable stability by appearing to throw an elbow at a festivalgoer following a brief altercation during her set. She will not face any action as no formal complaint has been made against her.

Jay-Z silenced his critics with a powerhouse of a performance and started the set with his own rendition of Oasis' classic Wonderwall following Noel Gallagher's damning comments regarding his headlining appearance earlier in the year.

His show was faultless, prompting audience interaction throughout with hits such as 99 Problems, Bounce and Girls.

The performance is sure to go down in Glastonbury Festival folklore and Michael Eavis must be very pleased with the way his gamble paid off.

Sunday's action promised a little something for the older generation. Leonard Cohen, Gilbert O'Sullivan and Neil Diamond all appeared on the Pyramid Stage to huge audiences and highlighted why the festival is so diverse and special to thousands across the country.

Headlining acts The Verve, The National, Groove Armada, My Morning Jacket and Kosheen brought the festival to an end in style.

Festivalgoers to this year's festival can look back on the weekend with fondness. Great weather, fantastic music and a plethora of smiling faces can ensure next year's can go ahead and the thousands that attended this year's will be looking forward to the next one already.