THERE may be a heatwave but I’m feeling remarkably ‘chilled’ right now – having spent a few days at the ‘happiest, friendliest, quirkiest festival in the land’.

Voted the ‘best family festival’ with the ‘best toilets’, the Larmer Tree has grown to provide some of the most interesting and diverse entertainment on the festival circuit.

Hillbilly blues musician Seasick Steve looked quite at ease on Friday as he entertained a crowd of all ages on the main stage.

He may be in his 70s but, with just a drummer and a selection of mostly home-made guitars (including the famous three-string ‘trance wonder’), he knows how to rock and he drew his audience in with anecdotes about his early life, living rough and his love of John Deer tractors.

So down to earth is the man, that he spent some time wandering aroundthe grounds, chatting and listening to other bands before his set.

‘Sat-hatter-day’ (where everyone was invited to dress up in their most eyecatching headgear) was the liveliest night.

Gentleman’s Dub Club worked the early evening crowd up into a frenzy with their high energy combination of dub, ska and reggae, while Still Moving DJs – playing the Garden Stage – got everyone dancing in time for headliner Imelda May to take to the main stage andpower her waythrough 50’s style rockabilly, jazz and blues.

But it’s often the sideshows that grab you the most – Southampton Ukulele Jam could be caught entertaining diners in the gazebo with their renditions of Daft Punk, The Clash and the Zoutons to name but a few.

With its beautiful location in the unique Larmer Tree Gardens, the event plays host to a famously familyorientated, friendly and ethical festival that combines music and theatre with comedy, stalls, food, a Sunday carnival and talks, with something for all ages.

The magical Lost Wood hosts poetry, storytelling and spoken word, while the Secret Garden offers a range of therapies. In addition, the festival boasts free workshops, shows and activities, proving that it is so much more than just a music event.

The Larmer Tree has managed to hang on to its independent, non-corporate ethos and, with capacity remaining at 4,000 people for each day, this laid-back, bohemian festivalmaintains an intimate, fun and family atmosphere.