The place was swarming with hundreds of people dressed up like extras from Adam Ant’s Prince Charming video.

I asked my school friend AR (sporting an elegant eighteenth century gown) what was going on. She explained that she was taking part in an attempt to break the world record for the number of Marie Antoinettes that could be fitted into a field.

Afterwards she would be joining the rest of our classmates for a picnic. She pointed out where they were putting out a rug and popping Champagne corks in readiness for her arrival.