Pop icon Grace Jones praised Wilderness festival – and its fabulously attired revellers – describing it as a “beautiful festival full of beautiful people”.

The singer brought the festival, held at Cornbury Park, near Charlbury, to a rousing finale with a set credited by many as the best in the event’s seven year history.

Coming on stage dressed in voodoo-style body paint and with a gold mask mounted on her head, the 69 year-old Jamaican star delighted fans with a lively set of funk, soul, reggae and rock, changing her costumes with every song and encouraging the crowd to sing along to extended versions of the Roxy Music classic Love is the Drug, a heartfelt Amazing Grace and hit Pull Up to the Bumper – during which she mounted the shoulders of an extremely surprised, though undeniably happy, security guard. She ended with a rousing Slave to the Rhythm – a startling and utterly appropriate show to end a vintage Wilderness.

The show brought to an end four days of music, theatre, feasting and partying for the 30,000 people who descended on the idyllic grounds of the wooded deer park – which is part of the ancient forest of Wychwood.

Also winning the approval of the crowds were indie-rock band Two Door Cinema Club, electronic artist Bonobo, singer Michael Kiwanuka, Swedish duo First Aid Kit, Norwegian artists Aurora and Sigrid, singer Michael Kiwanuka and reggae band Toots and the Maytals.

But it was the more unusual features which marked the festival as the most enjoyable and best run in the country. With the festival enjoying mostly fine weather, revellers cooled off by swimming in the lakes or luxuriating in hot tubs in a waterside spa. Other wholesome pursuits included rowing, forest runs, paddleboard yoga and tai chi.

A more unusual attraction was the traditional Sunday afternoon cricket match – this year contested by heroes and villains with players dressed as Darth Vader, Donald Trump and the Joker against a side boasting Captain America, Superman, James Bond, Harry Potter and Thor.

Play was interrupted by at least 40 streakers – which is believed to be a national record.

In keeping with its chic and elegant reputation, a sprinkling of celebrities dropped in over the weekend, to enjoy the music and join long table banquets.

An A-list selection of actors took part in Letters Live performances, reading out humorous and more serious correspondence.

They included Benedict Cumberbatch, fellow Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, Tom Hollander, Fresh Meat actress Zawe Ashton, Mark Strong, Ian McShane, racehorse trainer Jonjo O’Neill, comedian Tony Robinson and comedy producer and presenter John Lloyd – who lives in nearby Great Tew.

Among the biggest names was Russell Brand, who lives near Henley, who delighted fans with his Letters Live performance and an earlier talk about his successful battle with addictions.

Speaking to us afterwards he praised the event and the festival-goers. He said: “It’s amazing; wonderful. I love it and I will definitely be hanging around here.”

Other famous faces spotted at the event included Game of Thrones actor Kit Harrington, presenter Jonathan Ross and former Prime Minister David Cameron who was seen enjoying music on the main stage, listening to a performance by Russell Brand and joining diners at a lavish dinner prepared by Portuguese chef Nuno Mendes.

Revellers also joined banquets hosted by celebrity chefs Angela Hartnett, Yotam Ottolenghi and Masterchef winner Thomasina Miers.

Enjoying the atmosphere was Oxford chef Raymond Blanc. Mr Blanc has previously hosted his own banquets at the festival but insisted this time he was there to enjoy himself.

He said: “It’s a lovely festival and I am here with some friends to have a look around and maybe have a glass of Champagne.”

Lady Rotherwick was instrumental in bringing Wilderness to her family home of Cornbury Park. Enjoying Sunday’s events with friends she said: “It’s been absolutely wonderful and we were even lucky with the weather with only a few showers and some lovely sunshine.”

She listed Bonobo and Two Door Cinema Club’s main stage performances as particular highlights and enjoyed dancing the night away in a tented nightclub called The Hustle.

She added: “We’ve had the best time.”

Lady Rotherwick had also enjoyed some of the DJ sets in the estate’s so-called Secret Valley, with parties for thousands of people hosted by such dance legends Nightmares on Wax, Jackmaster, Artwork and Crazy P

Among the most elegant boltholes was a Champagne bar hosted by Veuve Clicquot, overlooking a lake. Those enjoying a glass of the fizz house’s signature Yellow Label bubbly were Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, Tom Hollander, American model Arizona Muse, Lady Violet Manners – daughter of the Duke of Rutland, Whinnie Williams, chef and presenter Gizzi Erskine, and style bloggers Camille Charriere and Bonnie Rakhit.

Also pulling in the beautiful people was a backstage bar run by the team from the upmarket Aynhoe Park, near Bicester. Some stars and guests stayed at the country house, rather than roughing it under canvas – a fleet of Rolls Royces ferrying guests and artists – including Grace Jones – to and from the site.

Organiser Rory Bett, CEO of festival company Mama group, said: “We have had an incredible year here at Wilderness with food, music, theatre and activities for everyone and some truly wild moments including the Saturday spectacular and breathtaking sets from our headline acts.

“We are so proud of the creativity and passion that makes this such a special festival – the teams that make it happen and the amazing Wilderness audience that brings so much colour and enthusiasm to complete the circus.

“Every year we push the boundaries with our programming. This year has been the boldest and best yet and we are enormously proud, but our audience are, as always, the final judge. We look forward to seeking to surprise and delight in our eighth edition.”

Lucy Radford, from Headington, said: “Wilderness is a spectacular celebration of life, love and colour with amazing talent. It is the best escape from reality you can get.”

Portuguese chef Mr Mendes said: “Wilderness is my favourite festival. It’s a perfect mix of food, arts and music, with a beautiful backdrop.”

* For a full gallery of pictures of Wilderness, go to oxfordtimes.co.uk.

* Wilderness will be back next year. Keep an eye on

wildernessfestival.com