Yinnon Ezra: The Boot Inn's festival was a piece of paradise

The inn has a lovely garden that stretches out to a frontage on the River Test.

We often go there at other times of the year when it's either muddy and cold.

Walking through the car park we heard the wonderful tones of the Romsey Ukelele Group wafting across the space - I had not come across them before - but over 30 musicians in bright red T-shirts were performing a brilliant medley of songs and tunes which created a soothing and really welcoming mood.

Chatting to one of the participants I was informed that they are very busy over the summer in particular performing all over the area - the cash raised is then donated to local charities - some £60,000 over the lifetime of the group. Brilliant!

But I digress - the scene on this warm sunny afternoon - a few gazebos for the musicians, food and drink stalls, tables and chairs with many bringing their own in this lovely stretch of garden with the slow flowing river at the end.

I don’t know what it is about human beings but we all seem to be drawn to flowing water - so many visiting this festival as a first act walked down to the river just to look at it.

After this ritual then returning to where they pitched.

The view to the river is to one of the islands on the Test it’s broad here and tree lined, the water level low but full of swans, geese the odd fish tempted by bits of bread thrown into the water. Tranquil and restful.

There must have been well over hundred plus people - but the numbers ebbed and flowed as the day progressed.

People of all ages, young people running around some babes in arms - many teenagers often being the ones running errands for the adults collecting food.

Friends greeting each other clearly after a long break, families large and small, grandparents with the young ones and also part of a larger family unit.

Some groups of young men quietly chatting and sampling the great range of beverages - also a variety of dogs but well behaved and under supervision.

There was a lovely local ice cream stall a pizza wagon and of course a comprehensive menu of freshly cooked food done by the Boot.

We sat by the river taking it all in - what could be better than relaxing by the water being entertained with great music till late with everyone else enjoying the brilliant atmosphere - a real tonic and yes a piece of paradise!