We'd been waiting all summer for the good weather and it turned up just in time for the inaugural WimFest in Kent last weekend.

Not knowing quite what to expect – having been promised three days of music, disco, fun and camping – I packed up my tent and headed off to Victoria Station on Friday evening.

When I arrived, after a short, polite and cheap cab ride from the station, there were a good number of tents already in evidence in the big field at the back of the Horse and Groom pub which we were to make home for the weekend.

A quick tour of the shower block (small but adequate) and the bar (well stocked, reasonably priced and offering a scrummy-looking menu) I headed back to pitch my own home from home and see if I could be of use to Jo B and the other organisers. Preparations were well in hand with the stage and marquee for the next day's performers already set up. But I did get stuck in assisting the lovely Lyn set up her tin can alley and coconut shy stall. I had a few tries, along with the hoopla, to check there was no monkey business and am glad to report even those who throw like a girl (i.e. me) could win themselves one of the delightful prizes. My WimFest 2007 keyring is now a treasured possession...

After a quick bite to eat and a couple of beers the music kicked off in the pub. Lynette Frances, a performer in her own right, hosted the Herazon Disco and kept the medium sized group who'd come early entertained and kicking up their (thankfully mud-free) heels all night. We also discovered the pool table and other than a few bemused looks from the regulars were made to feel entirely welcome as we colonised the space in the style only a group of lesbians out for a party weekend can.

Saturday morning came about soon enough and despite a few sore heads the mood was one of excitement. Showers braved (hot) and breakfast eaten (huge) the flow of performers and revelers arriving began in earnest and more tents were pitched all around the edges of the field. Say what you like about us women but we're neat and tidy! And we're generous. As the entire weekend was staged for free by  Lazeebirds Music and Girl Guide London the coconut shy and a bucket for donations were their only means to cover some of the costs. The lure of huge teddy bear prizes proved too much for some of the more competitive element among us (you know who you are Toni!) and for a pound a go (50p for hoopla) there was a constant crowd of women chivvying for their chance to knock something down. I've since heard that, altogether, the advertising costs were covered at least. So well done ladies! (Now can I have that teddy?)

The music started on time at about eleven and the sun came out to meet the mellow crowd and performers alike.

I lost count of the acts, but am reliably informed it neared twenty. Musical highlights on the Saturday for me included the sublime Mika Sellens, cover-queen Lynette doing some of her own songs for a change, the understated but overtalented Jo Bailey (organiser and friend, but I mean every word of it!) who was accompanied by Sally Dahl working some lovely harmonies, Alys, The Mad'Moiselles - you have to check them out, Marie Tueja - her guitar-playing is a delight and Charlotte Eve, Julie Collings, and so many more. It was just a wonderful experience to be able to sit in the sun with a cold beer, lots of friends and some really excellent music. Considering also that most were of an acoustic bent, we weren't spoilt for variety in style. You must check out the Mad'Moiselle's and the drumming girls. Really.

And among all this smooth fabulousness were pockets of energetic mucking about. Swingball, badminton and football were all popular and the supply of prize water pistols was put to good use.

The whole day's music was hosted by the remarkable Keely Still, who never ever failed to raise a laugh whether introducing the acts or asking someone to move their Corsa. A true professional! Although, of course, like everyone else she was giving her time for free.

We were well catered for, the pub laid on a good value barbecue in the afternoon, and by eight o'clock it was a happy, warm crowd who welcomed the last act of the evening - burlesque divas Tetraflap. I'd never seen them before and to say that they went down very well is only to follow in their hilarious, smutty footsteps. But they were well received and ruder than the raffle prizes (donated by various sex shops).

As dusk drew in we disco-ed up again, first with DJ Annella followed by more 'cheesy but you love it' tunes from Herazon. I've never seen so many women dancing on carpet at one time. And really going for it too. I swear I saw some people docey-doe-ing at one point...

There was loads of bench seating and patio space just outside the dance area and we never lost the outdoor event feeling. No mosquitoes either. And still no rain!

After the pub had to shut its doors at twelve, certain elements headed back to the tents to continue the rabble rousing. 

No neighbours to tell us to shut up and lots of girls with guitars - plus someone rustled up a bottle of Jack Daniels out of seemingly nowhere (deadly) - and we had ourselves a regular party going, complete with singalong. Oh, and I saw a brand new romance sparked!

The next morning we weren't all up and about quite so early and the day began with very civilized amounts of laying about and drinking tea. Keely who'd cheated and stayed at the Holiday Inn (but then she did have to look more presentable than the rest of us) roused us for the Mrs and Mrs contest about midday and then proceeded to do her best to break up the relationships of the few brave souls who had offered themselves up for probing questions in public. 

While the open mic artists played, some of whom were so good I'm sure they'll be on the regular bill next year, others enjoyed the amazing Sunday roasts in the pub, while others reluctantly started packing their sleeping bags away.

Still others were determined to stay another night and prolong the easy-going, smile inducing vibe.

I hitched a ride home late in the afternoon, while there was still music going. 

I heard no major complaints from anyone all weekend – small gripes like the unexpected end of food service and erratic water supply to the showers on Sunday can all be sorted out.

When all's said and done the weekend was a great success. It might not have been the biggest crowd, but everything went very smoothly, we wanted for nothing and the music was great.

It's been far too long since I was at any event so laid-back, friendly and inclusive. And what makes me smile most is that the phrase on everyone's lips all around the site was "next year", bigger it could be but better... that would be hard.

And the thing is we'll all get to say "we were there". At the very first WimFest. See you all next year!