IT was left to the brilliant young singer-songwriter Tom Odell to close this year’s special festival. One of the many highlights of this most eclectic of gatherings, where you can always discover unexpected gems around every leafy corner.

Seeing Boppin' B, a German rockabilly band with a singer by the name of Sebastian Borgensperger, was one of those moments. Their energetic, dynamic performance in blazing sunshine on the Garden stage thrilled the appreciative crowd.

Then there was the duo Abandoman, dubbed Ireland's seventh biggest hip hop crew, who had the comedy tent rolling in the aisles with a series of observational mash-ups based on audience participation.

Anyone who can get their whole audience at this most genteel and middle class of festivals shouting an obscenity at an upmarket supermarket over a perceived lack of pine nuts earns my respect.

Poor old comedy headliner Mark Watson didn't know what had hit him when he hit the stage moments later.

Ade Edmonson, with his three-piece version of the Bad Shepherds playing fantastic folky versions of punk songs, summed up the whole festival by emotionally declaring life was brilliant and toasting us all with a glass of red. He even dedicated Motorhead’s Ace of Spades to his late friend Rik Mayall.

And, such is the random nature of Larmer, he was preceded by Staff Benda Bilili - a nine-piece, mostly disabled combo from DR Congo playing African rhythms. And he was followed by Public Service Broadcasting, the trio of J Willgoose and Wrigglesworth and their digital operator, who produced stunning, hypnotising grooves to a background of old public information films.

Sounds weird, but believe me, it works. And to the other headliners.

Sir Tom Jones' two-hour set was a classic of its type, full of soul, gospel and proper R'n'B. Ably assisted by Weymouth's exceptional guitarist Robbie McIntosh and a mega light show, the veteran crooner doesn't at all rely on his hits, but keeps it fresh.

Saying that, Delilah, complete with Spanish guitar, was a highlight, as was a cover of Leonard Cohen's Tower of Song. Squeeze played a joyous, complete hits set; Glenn Tilbrook dominating the stage, until the encore of Cool For Cats gave Chris Difford one of his few chances to shine.

Possibly the best performance of the weekend came from Winchester's Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls. His intelligent songs and the hard-working quintet's heavy sound have deservedly made this bunch the biggest thing around at the moment.

The infectious ska of Gentleman's Dub Club got everyone dancing, Tom Odell was the youngsters' favourite and Show of Hands' Steve Knightley's pick-up band was excellent.

Friday night/Saturday morning's relentless thunder storms made the site a bit muddy but didn't put a damper on proceedings. The sun was soon back and the music and the phenomenal number of other activities continued unabated.

There was poetry in the Lostwood, workshops aplenty, Mark Kermode's film club, street theatre, fancy dress parade, Johnnie Walker reminiscing about Radio Caroline in the most low-tech way possible and even a pop-up museum.

Very much a family festival, there were plenty of quirky interactive acts and workshops to keep little ones entertained.

Band to watch out for? The Heavy, a group playing, as the name implies, heavy R'n'B and rock with effervescent vocals from Kevin Swaby. Great stuff.

Larmer Tree, as so many people say, is the quintessential festival - quirky, unashamedly intelligent, often surprising, happy, safe and brilliant. And I'm not one to disagree.

: See bournemouthecho.co.uk for our full gallery of Larmer Tree festival images.

Cliff Moore and Pat Gough