So, Lollibop got off to a flying start yesterday with absolute aplomb! They have totally got their groove on and know exactly who they are this year!

I have always loved it but last year the festival which bills itself as ‘the big bash for little people’ perhaps wasn’t located in the right venue and as a result came under some criticism for being too commercial. Firstly, I have to say this aspect didn’t bother me personally, without sponsors there would be no festival and, well, we’d much rather have one than not thank you very much! But… I can see why at the Olympic Park last year some had a slight itch with the fact it was in a long straight line meaning you couldn’t really get away from the leaflets and free cake (although why people complained about free cake is beyond me of course)!

This year the event is being held all weekend at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire. My slight horrified first thought that it wasn’t in London was quickly eased with the knowledge that it is a 5 minute walk from Hatfield station which only takes around 25 minutes on the train from Kings Cross. I actually think this makes it more accessible if I think about it logically as not everyone finds London easy with a buggy (although I could tell them how it could be) and I see the thought of the capital can be daunting.

Hatfield House was a master choice for it is simply the perfect venue and makes it feel exactly as a festival should be. It is large with lots of open space between each stall, stand and tent so although the festival is probably bigger than ever it felt smaller and more like the most terrific village fete anyone has ever come up with! There were leaflets sure, free sweets and drinks too but avoiding them or not noticing them at all (if you’re me) was super easy to do and concentrating on the entertainment is the main call of the day.

We loved the big things but we had so much fun just playing sports day games with the energetic entertainers and Jimmy did so super well for a little’n’!

It had masses of visitores for opening day but it honestly didn’t feel crowded in any way. Last year I wrote a ‘top tips’ after our first day and top of the list was to make sure you had your face painted as soon as you got in to avoid the queues. I almost re posted it for this year but I’m glad I didn’t as it just wouldn’t apply. The festival is as different as it could be from last year’s bash which we loved but not as much as this year! Face painting stands were dotted all over and there was never more than one or two in the queues at any one time. It’s probably an illusion and not any quicker than last year where they were all grouped together but somehow it feels like you wait less time and is more relaxing.

They really listened to the negative comments and paid great attention to detail all over. I was especially impressed with the benches in front of the stage which naturally encourage people to sit on the floor and not stand in front of them and at no point was there a scrum or could there have been so due to the positioning of the stage! Queues for things like the Lollipalladium might have looked long but they were so efficient and moved in and out of the tent very quickly. There was ample seating, no one got turned away from anything (that I saw) and the little things were every bit as good as the big!

Everything was just mega relaxed but fun! The freedom for the children in this venue is awesome!

We loved seeing compare Alex from Beebies just as much as the main acts! Boy that chap earns his money!

It was all wonderful and and we want to go back. We loved it so much we just might do that tomorrow as I’m not sure we want to wait another year knowing it’s all going on right now! Plus I need to get Florence another balloon, when her friend lost hers Florence gallantly gave her own balloon up because she didn’t want her friend to cry and wanted to make it better! She amazes me with how kind she is sometimes! We also probably didn’t even do half of the things we could because we were enjoying the things we did do so much and I could easily fill another two days – such a shame this isn’t a camping festival!

Brilliant, brilliant festival and LOOK who we met – I nearly cried when Chris sang ‘Show me show me Jimmy’s smiles’!

We loved Mister Maker, Chris and Pui, The River Island Design Tent, The Little Tikes Town was an awesome day out in itself and so much, so much more! The Disco Tent with the Charity Shop DJ was the perfect way to end the day and we came away tired but happy!

Look at our video of the day and you will see why we still have smiles on our faces!

Only one thing niggled, they gave us a timetable for the day at the gate which was slightly out for the meet and greets meaning we missed one – we were later given a correct one. Apart from that… It was perfection!

My top tips this year for the new improved, chilled vibe Lollibop? I just don’t have any aside as to say you should go! Value for money is guaranteed and you WILL want to go back.

We had the most wonderful day, I can hardly believe they have made it this much better when we loved it so much anyway! Beautiful, beautiful festival!

You still have time to go today or tomorrow so check out www.lollibopfestival.co.uk to find out all you need to know about tickets, parking and getting there.

I was given complimentary tickets as an official ambassador for the festival and this is in return for an honest review which I have given.