“And Fling”

So Dr Soaper, as portrayed by Kenneth Williams, instructs his pupils in my favourite Carry On film, Carry On Camping.

He is leading the open air exercise session. The instruction is enthusiastically followed by Babs (Barbara Windsor) who flings back her arms only for her bra to fly off, landing in Dr Soaper’s face, leaving her topless.

“Matron, take them away,” gasps the embarrassed doctor to the supreme Carry On matron herself Hattie Jacques. You can see the clip on You Tube. I thoroughly recommend it.

Whether this particular scene was the inspiration for the naming of the magnificent one day Fling Festival in Hylands Park, Chelmsford on Saturday July 2, I’m not sure, but if you’re looking for something quirky, colourful, cool and clever then it’s the place to be.

Back in the good old days it was just Glastonbury, then it was Glastonbury and Reading. Now summer festivals seem to proliferate from every direction. So choose wisely before you pack the suncream and head south. My top pick is the Fling Festival. Here’s why.

First off, the Fling Festival is really good value at £27.50. For the whole day. But with the magic discount code I can reveal to Gazette readers FLING47 you can save 15 per cent and book for £24. Secondly (and this is the knockout punch that puts it head and shoulders above all other festivals), I’ll be there.

So you can treat all the music stages, the burlesque and cabaret arenas, the cabaret tent, the comedy tent, the poetry, spoken word, the numerous bars, and all the walk abouts and workshops, even top acts like Turin Breaks and John Hegley as a bonus.

For just £24 you may glimpse a little gargoyle of a man, completely bald, black glasses, like a shrunken and grotesque Philip Larkin look-alike, shuffling between the poetry tent and the toilet.

Call the box office on 01245 606 505 and quote FLING47 for your discount offer.

“And Fling”