There is plenty of candyfloss escapism around.
Take Bing Bong, Riley's long-lost imaginary friend from early childhood, a cat-elephant hybrid made out of candyfloss.
They seemed stuck in some Fifties nightmare of candyfloss and carousels, of nosy landladies who still found use for doilies, of vinegary chips and fruit machines.
It dared to spin a sentimental fantasy out of a grisly tragedy, offsetting the tang of sulphur with the sweet taste of candyfloss.
The Proustian rush of candyfloss and donkey dung, yes, but also the thrill of experiencing towns reinventing themselves for the 21st century.
So there are trap drums, honeyed ambient effects, Tangfastic synths and billowing productions of candyfloss sweetness – the kind of gorgeous confections that R&B queens covet.
The 10th anniversary of Student Pride took place at the University of Westminster in London last weekend weekend and the LGBT community celebrated in style with masses of pink clothing, live music and tonnes of candyfloss.
Vendors peddle balloons and bright pink bags of candyfloss tied to long poles, and pavement stalls offer glass bangles and plastic trinkets, pictures of Hindu divinities and terracotta pots.
Sam Tuitupou's tackle could not have been less effective had he been a stick of candyfloss and, after Tagicakibau had been held up on the line, having escaped Charlie Amesbury's flimsy challenge, Guy Armitage picked up to score.
There's "chicken and waffles", which arrives as a cuckoo spit of candyfloss on a stick inside which, like the bluebottle in the spider's web, lurks a chicken nugget.
