There’s something quintessentially British about standing in a field in the rain, cocktail in hand, dancing to a band you’d forgotten you absolutely loved — and The Lightning Seeds delivered every bit of that on Thursday night in Marlow.

Opening night greeted festival-goers with the full spectrum of great British weather, but the food, drink and music more than made up for whatever the sky had to say about it. Sometimes the rain just adds to the occasion.

The Lightning Seeds were on superb form — one of those sets where you simply lose count of the hits. The biggest cheer of the evening came when lead singer Ian Broudie cheekily swapped “30 years of hurt” for “60 years of hurt” mid-Three Lions and the crowd absolutely loved it.

On the drinks front, Mixton Cocktails were set up proudly beside Sir Steve Redgrave’s statue, Harrow & Hope were pouring their excellent English fizz, and Chapel Down kept the glasses topped up beautifully. Meanwhile, the boys were entirely preoccupied working their way through Rebellion’s ales and lagers — and absolutely nobody is judging them for it.

The food was a serious highlight. Six by Nico’s ‘The Chippy’ sold out of their Chips & Cheese dish within hours, and Raymond Blanc’s George and Dragon Marlow fish curry was, quite simply, wow. The queues for Simply Crumble would have put the Albert Hall box office to shame — doing a roaring trade ahead of the main event and fuelling the crowd perfectly for what was to come.

And come it did. Jools Holland and his legendary band closed the night in the only way they know how, sending everyone into full boogie-woogie bliss. Soaked, smiling, and leaving with a bag of Biltong Boss biltong and an Unholy Donuts treat tucked under one arm.

Brilliantly organised, brilliantly fun. It’s only down the road, Henley. Get yourself along this weekend.

Tickets are available at Food Festival Marlow | Pub in the Park and with your Experience Henley Card you get a free classic dish voucher. Check app for details how to claim.

Words & pictures: Kate Allan