Arriving at Just So Festival must come close to the way Alice felt when she tumbled down that rabbit hole. Real life was left far behind as we pitched up, donned our costumes (we were most firmly foxes!) and headed off to join the wildlife tribe.

At Just So, children are placed right at the heart of proceedings, and curiosity and magic awaits at every turn. Everywhere you look the fairies have been at work, transforming Rode Hall’s beautiful parkland into an enchanted wonderland for young families.

With so much to see or take part in, our biggest challenge was not to miss anything. From watching battling pirates on the High Seas, to listening to magical tales in the Spellbound Wood and grooving at the Jitterbug – Just So was crammed full of entertainment for everyone in our family, grown up or not so.

At 10 and 7, our boys were in their element and loved the chance to roam, learn circus skills at the Big Top and create clay faces to adorn towering trees. We especially enjoyed the bumbling Bathing Jugglers with their fiery tricks, and boogying to the brilliant Lazlo Baby on the Living Room Stage as the sun began to sink.

From a practical, parenting point of view, Just So made everything so brilliantly do-able. There’s camping space for everyone, mercifully short queues for showers, loos and coffee, plus a wonderful array of enjoyable and delicious food.

Taking a seat in the airy barn (complete with high chairs and microwaves – there’s even a baby tent for baths and massage before bedtime!), we feasted on paella, fish and chips and wood-fired pizza. You can even pre-order fabulous food from Abel & Cole who are also on site to provide whatever you might need.

At night time we joined the amazing lantern parade and danced the night away by the Footlights stage. The whole weekend’s crescendo is the tribal tournament and the array of costumes and effort everyone has gone to is just tremendous.

So what will you be? Fox, owl, lion, frog? Whatever your choice, Just So is the perfect opportunity to revel in the wonderment of your kids and see the magic through their eyes.