In an industry saturated with “boutique” festivals, the question is: what sets Elderflower Fields Festival apart from all the others? The answer, quite simply, is its focus on localism. From the complimentary glass of sparkling elderflower wine which greeted guests at the gate on arrival, right through to the generous free picnic of local (gorgeous) produce which rounded off the weekend, this festival was populated by happy (equally local) families replete with festival cheer.

Making the most of the stunning location in the grounds of Bentley Wildfowl & Motor Museum, the small site is inconceivably family-friendly, with soft velvety grass, miniature steam train rides and shady ancient woodlands.

There was even enough room to accommodate the cathedral-size tents which appeared. The grown-ups looked relaxed, milling around the healing huts, cocktail bar and silent disco, while the zillions of small children enjoyed their free-range festie-freedom.

With themes of nature, sports and the outdoors, the organisers of this year’s inaugural festival hit the weather jackpot and were rewarded richly by three days of glorious sunshine. It was well-deserved – their efforts were seriously worthwhile.

An indulgent event which goes above and beyond in hospitality while simultaneously understating the “officious” elements is a welcome reversal of recent trends. Now that the first year has been so undeniably successful (both selling-out and establishing the site), it would be great if the team could put as much thought into the artistic content and explore our local creative talent as thoroughly as the produce.