Marc West meets the beautiful people at Truck festival, Steventon

At a time when other small festivals have sold their soul or risk falling like flies, Truck is both the innovator and the survivor – inspiring the underlying theme of this year’s festival, Veterans & Virgins.

All the staple elements we’ve come to know and love over the years are still there – my favourites being the scrummy local cider from those crazy cross-dressing bar staff, followed by breakfast served by the vicar on the morning after the night before.

But it’s the music that keeps the crowds coming back. Having sold out in advance this year, it’s testament to the calibre of the carefully-curated eclectic line-up – calling back old favourites like Ash and former Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes while also introducing a whole crop of exciting new artists to the next generation of Truckers.

And, those of us who have been more than just a few times before are well aware that the weekend also celebrates co-founder Robin Bennett’s birthday.

“This year I got to run my own saloon bar hosting great country and Americana music,” enthused Robin. “Surely the best birthday present ever!”

With a liquor-fuelled set by The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band, a conga led by Fonda 500 and a packed-out finale from The Epstein, this really was a vintage Truck.

If, like me, you’ve just about recovered from all the fun on Hill Farm last weekend, but are still craving the thrill of live music, I’d suggest checking out one or more of the forthcoming performances at Truck’s own record store in East Oxford. Since opening in 2011, the city’s only independent music retailer has hosted free in-store shows from over 100 acts, including Guillemots, Willy Mason and Ethan Johns. Get yourself along to 101 Cowley Road tonight at 5.30pm to see lo-fi pop newcomer Oliver Wilde.

I would also recommend checking out Oxford singer-songwriter Chris Ryder on August 2 at 6pm. And, while you’re there, enjoy a decent cup of coffee courtesy of The Keen Been Coffee Club.

Next week:

I’ve been invited to the palace. But, I won’t be sipping on tea and nibbling cucumber sandwiches on the lawn.

This is another sort of garden party – in the Duke of Marlborough’s back yard... fuelled by high-octane fuel and adrenaline.

Now in it’s 48th year, The Rally of Giants is the best American car show in the country and will take place at Blenheim Palace. Make sure you’re in pole position when the fun rolls into Woodstock on Sunday.