EVERY summer weekend there is a festival being hosted somewhere or other, but this July you have a chance to hark back to the original festival spirit with the Secret Garden Party.

Though it only began in 2004 with 1000 people, the festival has grown almost exponentially since then and now welcomes more than 6,000.

Still, the same relaxed atmosphere remains and there is a definite hippy vibe to proceedings.

Despite carrying a torch for the original Glastonbury spirit, the organisers are also a forward looking bunch who have embraced all types of music and expresion.

Active participation is encouraged, with all festival goers encouraged to “take ownership” of the event.

The four day festival, based at a beautiful Cambridgeshire location from July 24 - 27, is a not for profit event that strives to create a real sense of community.

It’s all about having the freedom to be creative, express yourself and enjoying life to the full.

That could be by creating a piece of public art, staging an impromptu performance or just dressing like an idiot.

Adage

Either way, the Secret Garden Party goes a long way to proving that old adage, there’s nowt so queer as folk.

Leading the line up this year is the irrepresible Grace Jones, who is enjoying something of a comeback after wowing the crowds at the recent Meltdown Festival.

Backing her up is an extensive list of artistes from all over the world, including Brazilian baile rockers Bonde Do Role, hot new things from North London Noah and the Whale and Nottingham electro rockers Late of the Pier.

As well as musicians, you will find a hotch potch of eccentric performers, from actors to artists, impersonators to just plain eccentrics.

So the focus is not just on the action on stage, you are literally tripping over talent wherever you may be.

That means every single person on the site is made to feel just as important as the big stars – well, maybe not the uber diva Miss Jones, but that is the idea.

And that is what keeps more and more people coming back to the Secret Garden Party year after year.

You can find a full review of the Secret Garden Party on Manchesteronline after the event.

For tickets and more information, visit www.secretgardenparty.com