In July, amid weeks of rain over England, the sun shone uninterrupted during the weekend my two best friends announced that they loved each other would attempt to spend the rest of their lives together.

A bit like a wedding, but without the paperwork. And instead of a church, we (200 or so of us) sat in a circle under a giant sycamore tree in the countryside, each taking turns to tell stories and crack jokes while a folk choir kept a melody going somewhere hidden in the forest behind.

Then onto a feast of medieval proportions in the adjoining barn, replete with goblets and castles (of cake).

Finally, as the sun set, out came the cocktails, up went the strobe lights, the bonfire and a roster of well-practised DJs -- and we danced the night away.

It was a reminder that nothing in life is better - or anything more required - than good friendship, music and food.

This particular picture was taken just moments after my girlfriend and I arrived on the farm...as yet ignorant of the treats that lay ahead.