As the compere said after the exuberant Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra had finished a pounding two-hour set, “They always deliver” - and they certainly do.

The regular Larmer Tree first night headliners stuck in another excellent performance from the initial ‘wall of sound’ moment when the brass kicked in, through a fun-packed repertoire of blues, ska, pop and swing to the final note of boogie woogie.

Special guest Sandie Shaw bounced on barefoot like an oversized schoolgirl, kicking off with Love Me Do.

Then came a jazzy, steamy Puppet On A String and the highlight of her mini set, a sublime Always Something There To Remind Me, during which the 20-piece band really nailed the groove.

But in the battle of the big voices even the powerful boogie queen Ruby Turner was outdone by the brilliant, soulful Louise Marshall. Check her out if you can: They play Sherborne Castle on July 23.

The so laid back to be almost horizontal Australian blues/jazz eccentric CW Stoneking did two Wednesday sets of sepia weirdness with the Primitive Horn Orchestra, including plenty of possibly tall tales amongst the ancient-sounding tunes. It's not just the big acts who catch the attention.

While Friday bill-toppers were LA urban Latino dancesters Ozomatli and fast-rising folksters Bellowhead, there was plenty more to see and hear.

We took in the catchy pop tunes of young Queensland/ Kent quartet Allo Darlin', prior to a taste of soul-on-speed combo The Joker & The Thief and then hot-footed it to the Club Larmer building to hear film critic Mark Kermode waxing lyrical about the 1950s sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet at his popular film club.

And then to the best ‘unknown’ part of the Larmer festival, the tiny Lostwood stage deep amidst the woodland paths of the gardens.

We caught the Song Factory performances of the gravel-voiced Jack Day with Benjamin Folk Thomas, while Jack Harrison, a young guitarist in a football shirt, stood out with his rambling, sub-Dylan songs, accompanied by his bassist and a French drummer by the name of Clement who he'd never met before.

And later, there was Clement again, playing with his own band in a woodturner's tent, looking significantly happier.

And that’s the thing about Larmer Tree, there’s always something happening – from children’s and adult’s art workshops and installations and the often hilarious, and occasionally heartbreakingly sad, Wishing Tree to drumming sessions, woodland crafts, comedy (including Russell Kane and Arthur Smith) and the sublime Goan Fish Curry from Cornwall (and that is edible rather than the latest indie band).

The rains came on Friday evening and lasted to Saturday lunch, by which time some walkways were a quagmire and wellingtons had replaced flip-flops as the de riguer choice of footwear.

The sun returned to herald the best band of the weekend, Marseilles-based four-piece Watcha Clan whose Mediterranean and north African rhythms, delivered on a pulsating bassline, were a joy to hear and got the crowd dancing. Singer Sista K certainly sounds the part and this lot should certainly go far.

After that the aforementioned Kermode was back, this time playing double bass and gob iron on the Garden Stage in his Hampshire-based rockabilly/ skiffle retro combo The Dodge Brothers who skilfully recreate the music of 50 years ago.

A glimpse of almost fragile-voiced Irish folkie Heidi Talbot's trio was in complete contrast to popular, driving folk/rock combo Stornoway, whose big sounds proved irresistible to so many at this 21st Larmer Tree Festival.

By Sunday, the bedraggled Larmer Tree Gardens had descended into a muddy quagmire.

On the main stage Seth Lakeman raised audience spirits with his warm, feel-good folk music that led the masses in a raincoat shuffle. But it was Sunday’s headliner, Seasick Steve that got the crowd moving.

Announcing that the Larmer Tree had been his first ever UK festival back in 2007, Seasick Steve was full of love for the venue and his three string guitar created an incredible groovy, bluesy sound.

The musician even plucked a young lady from the crowd and gave her a personal rendition of one of his “courting songs”.

And so the most relaxed, friendly and welcoming festival of them all drew to a close after another successful year. Roll on 2012.