The Inflatables are an Oxford institution. In fact many of us won’t be able to recall a time when they weren’t around, doing their ska-rock thing in any number of dingy backrooms and raucous outdoor shows.

This Saturday, they celebrate their 35th anniversary, and any doubts over their credibility will surely be snubbed out by their support act – which comes in the shape of one of the genre’s biggest stars: Neville Staple of two-tone legends The Specials.

Original Inflatables David Shefford, Martin Holloway and Howard and Richard Keeping celebrate at the O2 Academy – or, as artists their age (and ours) still call it, The Zodiac. The event, in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, will also feature King Hammond and Skaville UK, with support from Banbury band The Duckworths and DJ Jason Hughes.

“I think The Inflatables have managed to last 35 years because we were all friends before we formed the band,” said Howard explaining the group’s longevity. “We do this to have fun and don’t take it too seriously.

“Back in 1980, none of us could play any musical instruments, apart from Richard, so forming a band was always going to be challenge. But we were determined; we spent all our pocket money on instruments, and our spare time learning to play them. Within a year we played our first gig, and for the next 35 years we have been hooked!” That’s got to be worth celebrating.

* With yet another festival upon us, minds inevitably turn to all things lavatorial.

“Where are the posh loos?” was a common cry at Cornbury, last weekend. Our undercover reporter at ‘Poshstock’ found a convenient solution to her dread of chemical latrines, however, in the shape of www.when-nature-calls.co.uk – which operated an enclave staffed by posh boys shepherding punters into clean cubicles complete with basins. She deemed the weekend fee of £25, pennies well spent. And judging by the cases of Chateau Meaume being carted to the campsite, they were clearly aimed at the right audience.