WHEN it comes to summer festivals, music lovers are spoiled for choice with small, friendly gatherings and bigger shows with star-studded line-ups.

This weekend, however, sees the return of a festival which manages to be intimate and welcoming while also boasting an exceptional line-up – especially for lovers of electronic dance music.

Stowaway, which takes place beside a lake on a forested site over the Buckinghamshire border at Stowe, has a reputation for being family-friendly and good value while offering a bill of top musical acts and comedians.

Starting last night with Groove Armada and Greentea Peng, the fun continues today with headliners Leftfield and DJ Joe Goddard.

Late night acts include drum & bass stars LTJ Bukem and Dillinja.

Tomorrow, Max Cooper will headline the main stage with an acclaimed audio-visual show – one of only two festival appearances this summer – followed by a lakeside set by Artwork.

A comedy stage features sets from Kiri Pritchard-Mclean, Laura Smyth, Marlon Davis, Lindsey Santoro, Dinesh Nathan, Joey Page, Andy Stedman and Paul Revill over the course of the weekend.

Created in 2017 as the Festival Of Beer, the festival was relaunched two years ago as Stowaway with a mission to “deliver the perfect weekend antidote to the trappings of the modern world”.

Previous acts have included dance giants Orbital, Nightmares on Wax and Goldie.

Festival founder Duncan Wheeler said audience numbers had continued to grow at a time other events were seeing declining attendances.

Stowaway Festival. Picture by Tim Hughes

He said: “I’m really proud that we’re managing to grow Stowaway year-on-year despite how challenging the festival sector is at the moment.

“With Stowaway we wanted to take it all back to what the essence of what a festival should be about – joy, freedom and good vibes, offering good value so people don’t feel ripped-off – and this seems to be resonating with our audience.

“We’ve made some tweaks to the site this year and have a really exciting line-up. I genuinely can’t wait to welcome people here.”

As well as renowned musicians and DJs, there are hidden parties, a woodland spa, wild swimming and canoeing, wellness & relaxation, kids activities – all included in the ticket price – and artisan food and drink, including craft beers and spirits.

Duncan previously billed the dance-heavy event as “an emerging festival for true ravers, new ravers and little ravers”.

He said: “Dance the night away in beautiful surroundings with internationally renowned musicians and DJs. Made by friends, for friends, Stowaway is a secret world for you to discover.”

Stowaway Festival at night. Picture by Alastair Brookes

Tickets and further information from stowawayfestival.co.uk