You turn up late afternoon with a hamper, a bottle of wine and a blanket.
Families are setting up little camps with deckchairs, tables and even those inflatable sofas you see people waving through the air to fill.
By evening it looks like a postcard. Wicker baskets and wine glasses on every patch of grass, children tearing around and the smell of hot food drifting over the crowd.
We packed some stunning bread, cheese and dips but still ended up tempted by the food stalls. The wine also disappeared quite quickly so we enjoyed some top up cocktails.
Banana Tree were serving curries, there were pizzas, fries and churros, and bars with cocktails, wine and beer.
One of our friends is dairy free and she loved the chickpea coconut curry.
It was good to know there were plenty of options if you didn’t want to bring your own food or drink.
The lawns are spacious so you can spread out without feeling crammed, chairs are pushed further back so those on blankets can see, and there is plenty for families too.
A Ferris wheel glows behind the stage and the tipi area for kids is always busy.
Natalie Williams started things off. Her voice is warm and soulful and she got people swaying along while finishing their picnics.
Later, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra were on stage with Pete Harrison conducting, joined by a disco band and guest singers Brendan Reilly, Frida Touray, James Bradshaw and Tess Burrstone.
They ran through disco classics from the Studio 54 days right up to more modern tracks.
Strings and brass gave the big hits even more power while the singers carried the rest.
It sounded superb. Outdoor shows can be messy but here the sound is balanced and clear wherever you sit.
As the sun dropped the change was instant. Blankets folded up, wine glasses put aside and people were on their feet.
Families, couples, big groups of friends, everyone dancing together. It felt joyful and unforced.
By the time the show ended just after half past nine the park had turned into one big disco.
That was Saturday August 23, the Symphonic Disco event.
Tonight, Sunday August 24, it continues with A Night at the Movies, a run through some of the best film scores ever written with a full fireworks finale.
Tomorrow, Monday August 25, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra close the weekend, joined by Chris Difford, YolanDa Brown and a strong line-up of jazz talent.
