I am at Chalkwell Hall in Southend. There’s twenty thousand people here. The sun has an Access All Areas pass at Village Green and so do I. Paul Morley arrives. He’s smiling from ear to ear and Snowboy’s on stage playing a solo on the congos and all is good.

Antony Joseph walks past and delivers a warm hug and smile. Anthony’s got the look of Marvin Gaye about him. He’s worked hard this past few years and it’s paying off. He looks and sounds like a rock star. I know the music thing, the touring , the playing, the buzz of performing round the world with musicians you respect.

The vibe of the festival is warm. The sound is good. I’m on stage in the meadow tent with poet Caroline Bird. When we finish Carleen Anderson takes to the main stage. I catch up with Snowboy on the days of acid Jazz when we performed together.