‘No. There’s an urgent harbour issue. I was desperate and Bryony was passing so I let her in.’

Suddenly a blast of heavy bass blared out. People stared.

‘My God, is that Metallica?’ said Sam.

The music stopped abruptly. ‘I’ve been asked to let you know that the folk band, The Wildflowers, is about to play a set in the festival marquee.’

‘Oh God,’ said Sam.

‘It starts at twelve.’ Bryony paused. ‘If you’re the kind of sad person that enjoys that sort of thing. I did email the committee to book Halestorm but no one listened, as usual.’

Troy rubbed his chin. ‘Hmm. I think I need to find someone else to take over.’

‘Thanks,’ said Sam.

Troy scuttled off towards the Institute but Bryony was only getting into her stride.

‘I can see a few people feeding scraps from the stalls to their dogs. Human food is really bad for them. Bryony’s Grooming Parlour near the post office has a wide range of healthy foods for your pets and is open throughout the festival for responsible owners.’

Sam threw up her hands in horror, but Gabe was killing himself.

‘Stop laughing.’

‘I can’t, it’s the Vicar of Dibley and Doc Martin meets Royston Vasey.’

‘Woman with the Labradoodle behind the ice cream van. You have not picked up your dog’s waste. How would you like it if I came and crapped in your garden?’

Sam squealed. ‘No! I have to get her off the tannoy before there’s a fight or we’re sued.’

There was a high-pitched whine that made everyone flinch followed by clunks and raised voices and sharp barks.

‘I have to do something!’ Sam was about to dash to the Institute when a new voice came over the tannoy. A warm female voice with a local accent as thick as clotted cream.

‘Thank you, Bryony, for the animal welfare advice. I’m sure all the canine festival goers appreciate it.’

‘What?’ mouthed Gabe.

Sam’s jaw dropped as the voice continued, like honey running off a hot spoon. ‘Now, my lovers, can I draw your attention to some lush sounds from the St Piran’s fishermen’s choir? They’ve travelled all the way from the Isles of Scilly especially for the festival so you don’t want to miss them, now do you? They’re about to do a set on the harbour stage so if you want to make your way over. Meanwhile in the craft beer tent on the headland, you can enjoy the sounds of DJ Stormy Pete spinning the decks.’

Sam and Gabe exchanged glances. ‘Spinning the decks?’ Gabe mouthed, ‘WTF?’

‘It’s Evie Carman,’ said Sam.

People all around had paused to listen. They were breaking into grins, smiling and shushing their kids as they listened to Evie.