FESTIVALS are a key part of the summer for many, but spending a weekend in a field before returning home feeling grimy and shattered is not for everyone, particularly if you are a parent.

For families put off by the dirt and lack of sleep, Proteus Creation Space in Basingstoke offered the perfect alternative with its unique smallest Festival in the World.

The event returned to the Creation Space, in Council Road, for the fourth year offering families with children all the fun of a festival minus the bad bits.

Having previously attended the event two years ago and thoroughly enjoying it, I was excited to see what this year’s festival had to offer, particularly given the new line-up of acts and entertainment.

Performers with giant puppets and bubbles greeted attendees outside, whipping everyone up with excitement for what was to come and ensuring we were all in the mood for some fun.

Inside, we were guided towards the café where a selection of festival treats were available to purchase such as mocktails and vouchers for pick-and-mix sweets and ice creams.

Kids could have their faces painted before the entertainment kicked off with live bands, a secret disco, fortune telling and an air guitar competition.

The highlight, however, was the hilarious Panto Dame Gladiators competition, where everyone was encouraged to take part in funny games alongside the performers. 

My seven-year-old son had great fun participating in the games with the other children. 

Outside, a secret disco with Tip of the Pops the wheelbarrow DJ had everyone on their feet dancing while inside live music from White Noise Machine and Sugarman Sam kept us all entertained while we enjoyed our ice lollies sat on haybales in true festival style.

The attention to detail and thought that had gone into the festival was clear, from the ear plugs handed out to the children for the live music to the weigh-your-own pick-and-mix sweets.

My son also loved Scratchbuilt’s puppet who was on hand to dish out ice lollies in return for a voucher.

For just £10 a ticket for two-hours of non-stop entertainment and family fun, Proteus yet again delivered with this triumph of a festival that has created lasting memories for those of us lucky enough to attend. 

But if you missed out on this year's festival fun, Proteus has more family entertainment planned for the school holidays with its popular summer show by Scratch Built – Knight Time - from August 3 to August 11.

The magical medieval adventure will whisk audiences away to faraway lands full of enchantment with stories of friendship and bravery.

The audience will be part of the interactive theatre show, which is brimming with Scratch Built’s trademark mix of magical storytelling, hilarious characters and gorgeous puppetry . Follow the tale around the Creation Space and find out if you have what it takes to become a real knight.

To book visit proteustheatre.com/events/knight-time.