SHAMABALA has a well-earned reputation for being thoroughly enjoyable. It’s small enough to be fully relaxing, without the freneticism of its mega-fest cousins such as Boom Town and Glastonbury but with enough going on to keep you permanently stumbling upon wondrous new little nooks and crannies.

To call it a hippy Butlins doesn’t quite do it justice but is not far off the mark. There is even a “social club” marquee with stand-up, cabaret, tribute acts and karaoke in which a few redcoats would certainly not be out of place.

There’s a giant kids’ field too, along with workshops aplenty featuring everything from vocal training to interactive games illustrating the nature of fiat money and the power of private banking.