All of the festival posts, neatly compiled, with other things and a lovely sneak-peek of what's to come!

I have to admit that when Rachel and I came up with the theme of "Festival Style" for this month, I hardly gave any thought to my own lack of festival experience, or to how hard it might be to come up with a trillion different posts on the theme - so I think that, thus far, we've done pretty well!

But, I thought that there might still be a few bases out there left to cover - for example, what about those people who don't have the money to spare for a ticket? Or who can't be bothered to travel? Or who don't want to get muddy? Or who love their new festival-style dress so much that they want to wear it, even if they don't have an occasion to wear it for?

What about them?

And then I remembered THIS ARTICLE that I read in passing last summer - and thought now there's an idea! Because, all you really need to have a fantastic "festival experience" on the cheap this summer is an iPod, a playlist, a bunch of friends, a garden, and some good food!

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, a wifi connection and a laptop, to stream some other festivals live to your garden!

NB: if you plan on playing music loud and for extended periods, warn the neighbours... :)

So, instead of posting anything stylish today, I decided to ask BSB staff and readers what their favourite summer songs are - and together we came up with the playlist RIGHT HERE :)

Enjoy - and please, don't forget to suggest your own tracks!

LoveLoveLove

- A -

Guest post by Danni Slater

First of all, let me come clean... I’m a festival virgin. As much as I pine over television coverage of Florence rocking her socks off and perfectly undone fashionistas putting us all to shame, I have never got the opportunity (or rather, never had the guts) to don my festival frocks (my love for alliteration has turned me into an 80 year old woman apparently) and find my inner hippy. One simple factor has repelled any festivic motivation from me, and that’s camping. I’m an unashamedly clean-loving, tent-hating, camping sceptic and yet the idea of getting into the festival spirit is purely enticing. With this in mind, I’ve come up with five of the best reasons to become a festival chick and hey, maybe by the end I’ll have persuaded even myself to go next year...

1. Music

An obvious one really. I mean, what would a festival be without it other than a muddy, tent-clad field confettied with the occasional doughnut stand? Hmm... not exactly my idea of fun. Throw in some live artists though, and you’ve got yourself a party.

2. Celeb spotting

In light of my (recently proven) inability to cope with the sheer excitement of spying even the slightest celebrity, this may perhaps be only a personal favourite. Even so, everyone knows only the coolest names go to festivals, and they’re usually insanely fashionable; totally obliterating and creating fashion trends in one swift move. Admittedly though, I’d be the cool kid ready and poised with my point-and-click, trying desperately to be subtle and failing miserably. Ah well, I’d be prepared to risk my dignity for a snapshot of Alexa/Kate/Florence. Jeesh, I’m beginning to sound like a member of the paparazzi; perhaps I’m career-confused?!

3. Festival Chic

As someone who enjoys minimum input and maximum output (at least where fashion is concerned) I reckon the carefree festival style would suit me down to a tee. Let’s face it; most of us would welcome an excuse to look a little rough around the edges without the risk of facing questionable glances. Well this is our perfect opportunity. Smudged eyeliner? That’s so Alexa daahling. Fraying shorts? Jameela Jamil rocks it. Bed head? Just don the trilby and BAM...you’re a festival fashionista my friend.

4. The ever elusive wristband

We’ve all come across them before; the cool kids with twenty three festival bands wrapped around their arm, looking positively exhausted yet tanned, satisfied and exceedingly mellow. They’ve refused to take off their colour-faded, wilting bracelets because, well, they just look too darn cool. Secretly, I long to be one of those infamous festival frolickers. Sauntering on without a care in the world whilst constantly reminding myself of the rad summer I just had, maan. What’s more, I’ve got the evidence to prove it right there on my wrist. I don’t know what it is about those grimy armbands that’s captivated me; perhaps it’s that childish rascality of wanting the free gift more than the thing itself. Whatever the reason, it’s a sure conversation starter and I might just be able to wangle myself [a short, but meaningful] cool-kid status for once in my life.

5. Living free and easy

Let’s face it, we’ve all dreamt of being that girl with flowers in her hair, running bare-footed through meadows (or is that just me?) and although festivals are renowned for their muddied reputation (literally and metaphorically speaking) there’s something quite appealing about the idea of enjoying few days of outdoorsy bliss. I’m definitely not condoning camping here; I can think of nothing worse than being stuck inside what is essentially a cleverly re-assembled parachute, but the other aspects of being outdoors seem rather freeing. Seriously, you can pretty much wear anything, approach anyone, and dance in any way you see fit. Which, in my case would resemble having a fit. That opportunity to truly let go is something you just can’t get from being stuck at an indoor arena (sorry NEC, you just don’t make the cut) and it seems that the fresh air does wonders for ridding you of those constraining inhibitions. So for anyone who’s fortunate enough to be going to a festival this year, promise me just one thing. Dance like no-one’s watching; I’ll love you for it.

Natasha's Column

Firstly – thank you to Rachel who is posting this on my behalf. When you read this I shall be somewhere very hot and very sunny and with no internet access so Rachel is kindly posting for me :)

I have a confession to make. I don’t really do camping, not usually anyway. But for the camping phobic amongst us, the best of the festivals have all kinds of solutions to this dilemma. Let me present to you the fashionably fabulous guide to festivals!

The big one in the festival calendar – Glastonbury has a huge range of tent alternatives. For the green and clean option, there is MyHab which is kind of like a tent but altogether nicer. It comes complete with lockable box and comfy double bed, plus as it is raised off the ground you aren’t going to find yourself floating across the field if the weather turns nasty. If you are after something more luxurious, then take a look at the Yurts. Again technically, it is still camping – complete with the whole shared toilets and showers but you get complimentary champagne! With double beds, throws, rugs, lanterns and fairy lights you can cosy up post partying and relax ready for the next day. I think this looks like the prettiest non camping option! These are also available at a few other festivals so check yours to see.

Resembling something like a playhouse are the Podpads, which are making an appearance at loads of festivals this year, including Bestival, Leeds and Creamfields. Podpads are designed to stand up to the worst of British weather. Whilst these are something different to camping, it’s not quite the ultimate in festival luxury. They look kind of fun but essentially it is just a playhouse with beds in it.

If you head to Wakestock, for the ultimate in boutique hotel meets festival experience you can get “The Kabin”. No, we’re not talking Coronation Street’s cafe. This option gives you flat screen tv, download movies, fridge and underfloor heating. This is great for glamorous rock goddesses who want the ultimate festival experience. The VIP package also gives festival goers better toilet and shower facilities and VIP lounge, plus a goody bag. Sounds perfect!

So there you have it. Festivals don’t necessarily mean wrestling with a tent or trying to find a pitch that doesn’t resemble a mud bath. That said the VIP festival experience doesn’t come cheap either but if it means clean hot showers and cosy beds, maybe it is actually worth it?

Guest post by Annie Owen

Where does one start? Let me give you some figures...there are said to be over 500 UK festivals and approximately 3 million of us who will go to a festival, and I have been to a grand total of...one. So I’m no festival pro, I can’t tell you the ins and outs, the best camping spots or where the hidden toilets are that always have loo roll in! Instead I’m going to talk about why I think everyone should go to at least one festival in their lifetime and why I don’t really see the need for all the hype about having the ‘perfect festival wardrobe.’

It is true that festivals aren’t for everyone; many of us do appreciate being able to have a shower everyday and not having to share a toilet with possibly 1000 other people! However it is a truly great experience.

Firstly, for many, festivals involve something most people love... a road trip! Getting a few excited individuals cramped into one small space is enough to make anyone get a bit hyper. You find yourself taking photos of the most obscure things. For example, taking photos of random road signs to show the progress of your journey, the poor soul who broke down and is now sat on the side of the motorway, or simply the levels of alcohol you’ve managed to stuff into your car and still get it to drive off. On route to the festival you no longer seem to worry about traffic jams, as you start to realise that everyone in the surrounding cars are probably going to the same place as you. So naturally, you start to check out the others in the cars to suss out any hotties attending the festival.

As soon as the car is parked, whoever was driving grabs a can of whatever is going as quickly as possible to make up for lost time, and then that’s it, you’ve arrived.

The level of excitement in the air is huge and everyone is in a major party spirit, sure alcohol may have some association with this, but generally the mood will be positive. And I think, put simply, the sheer mass of people in one space all fired up to stand in a field is what impresses me.

It’s not glamorous and it’s not exclusive but it is something that so many people now want to be a part of. So there are VIP sections and ‘pay as you go’ posh showers, but, honestly how many people use those? I think it is really quite interesting how so many magazines and websites devote so much time in telling you how to ‘stay looking good’ at a festival when it is the one time that people really don’t care! If you smell, or you have mud all over your face, people really won’t look at you disapprovingly, in fact they may respect you more!

There are always the select few, not just the celebs... that manage to look stunning all the time, but generally this is the time when we as humans can go back to a primitive roots and get our hands dirty and not worry about it.

You may feel rough as hell by the end of it but you’ll know it was worth it! So to all of you going to festivals this year, don’t spend hours working out what outfits to wear and spend hundreds of pounds on new clothes (that quite possibly will get ruined) look at what you’ve already got, mix and match, make sure you’ve got something warm and cosy for the chilly nights and you’re away! The only thing I would advise you invest in if you don’t already have some, is wellys!

Taken from ‘Grazia’ – Must have festival footwear, personally couldn’t think of anything worse to wear on my feet to walk into a portaloo! Definitely a good bit of PR work here! Practical level...0.

Source: flickr

I have only had one experience of a festival and I am ashamed to say that I lasted a total of 24 hours. Lame. I know. But I think my lack of staying power was solely down to a lack of adequate preparation.

To start, our tent was wholly inadequate. A two-man tent for two people is just not enough. Not in the wet Brecon Beacons in the heart of rainy Wales. If we’d maybe been going to Benicassim in Spain, then a tiny tent for crashing in would have been fine. For any festival in the UK I would strongly recommend getting a tent intended for at least one extra than will be using it, if not two. If we were to go again, I would definitely get one of those four-man tents with separate sleeping area and eating area, thereby giving a lot of extra room for sitting when the rain comes. And somewhere to get dressed!

Next up. Wellington boots are a must. I did take a pair of these last time, in case you were wondering! I would, however, recommend taking a few pairs of knee high socks to team with the boots as they tend to rub a little around the top if wearing them without trousers tucked in.

Baby wipes. I quickly realised that these were absolutely essential to keeping any sort of hygiene regime and that one pack simply was not enough. Bring many many packs!

Do not over pack. So easily done but seriously, how often do you actually think you’ll be changing in a cramped and dirty tent? Certainly not more than once a day. If I was to go again I would take one pair of denim shorts, one t-shirt for each day, one pair of underwear for each day, one pair of leggings and one hoodie. Done.

A camping stove and kettle are a good idea. If you also remember tea or coffee and milk. I’d also recommend taking some snacks as it can get expensive eating from the stalls all of the time and sometimes you just need something small to tide you over.

A rucksack or satchel will carry your life with you. I’d say get a waterproof one as you don’t want the contents soaked.

On the note of carrying your life around, don’t take anything valuable to a festival. Ipod? Who needs more music? Jewellery? That’s what Primark is for!! Credit cards? Where do you think you’ll be using them? If it’s worth anything, leave it at home. Even consider taking your old mobile instead of your fancy new (and expensive) iPhone!

I asked some fellow fashion bloggers what their three festival essentials would be.

Leia, from HiFashion, says: Wellies, dry shampoo, and an umbrella!

While Harriet, from Where Is Harriet? says: I'd say a snuggly cardigan for cold nights, a cute head scarf for hiding your unwashed hair, and liquid eyeliner to add a bit of glam!

As for me? My three essentials would be: Baby wipes, some fabulous cheap costume jewellery and bright bright eye make up!

If any of you are off to any of the festivals this summer, be sure to have a fabulous time!

Festivals, huh?

I don't have much festival experience, to be honest, because I find the idea of being trapped in a compound with a bunch of drunk people in wellingtons pissing up the walls leaves a little to be desired. And it's not like you need me to tell you how to dress, right? Even if you haven't seen any of the 'festival style' article every newspaper or magazine prints around the end of May every year, your average basic advice is: dress up like Noel Fielding. And leave your bra straps visible if you have them.

So my personal perspective on festivals come from the one time I went to V with a couple of friends in.. year ten? Here is what happened:

1. I threw up (in the car) after eating a nectarine, which made my vomit a sort of neon orange colour
2. At one point, a pair of knickers fell out of my bag. We were watching Athlete; I found myself slightly interested in how not-embarrassed I was.
3. This:
   
   When in doubt? Front!
   Maybe I'm sheltered? Yeah, I'm not ashamed. But I swear, I'm not making it up about the hat
4. ..And I saw Elvis Costello play. That was neat.

This year my only pangs are in the direction of Reading - my sister's going, and Gogol Bordello are playing, and that makes me want to choke a little bit I guess. Oh well! Trade-off's fine.

But that's me. And you're you! And presumably, you're considering - or definitely - off to the fields for a bit of fest this (or a future) summer. So let's think about what you need, and how to make it look better.

Thesite.org's tips on festival camping safety says "Keep your stuff to yourself:
Carry your cash, cards etc. with you at all times and never leave anything valuable in your tent. When you're asleep you might want to split your cash between two different secret spots - just in case one gets broken into.
I'm not going to say "bum-bags". Because those are pretty gross, most of the time. I am going to say "pouchbelts".

I use one whenever I go out because it makes me feel like a badass and keeps my hands free - which are the kinds of things that are useful, in super-social three day weekends. Look at these, all on etsy; these are flippin' rad. Click'em to check prices!

You can also hook your brolly on your belt if you take a curve-handled one.

Go forth and festify, citizen readers!

Guest post by Naomi Thorne

The confession that I am about to make is probably going to lose me quite a few friends, but I’m going to do it anyway: at the age of twenty-two and a half, I have never been, nor ever want to go to a music festival. I love live music, and the idea of getting to see so many of my favourite acts in just one weekend is an appealing one, but the accommodation arrangements have always left something to be desired. I’ve never really been a camper, and the recent trend for somewhat high-end accommodation at such events is sure to leave a sizable dent in the pocket. The legendarily disgusting portaloos alone are enough to put me off, although it doesn’t help that I am a self-confessed clean freak. Mind you, a part of me thinks I might be right to be frightened, if the story of the girl who fell down the toilet at last year’s Leeds festival is anything to go by.

HERE

This got me thinking; there are loads of festivals that happen every summer in the UK that don’t require a tent, stinking toilet facilities and a crate of lager, why not give them some credit too? Given that essential festival style forms such an integral part of the summer look in Britain, I thought it was only fair to show you a few more possible opportunities to break out that new maxi or those denim shorts.

Henley Royal Regatta – June 30th-July 4th

Held in Henley-on-Thames every year, this first occasion ventures slightly out of the festival field and into the sporting event paddock, but deserves a mention for its excellent sartorial credentials. From natty rowing blazers to tea-dresses with wellies (normally essential for the less-than-perfect summer weather), Henley provides ample opportunity to show off your best preppy get-up. At the same time, there’s plenty of boat racing to get excited about and normally Pimms aplenty!

The Secret Garden Party – 22nd-25th July

Held in Cambridgeshire, this is arguably the most ‘typical’ festival listed in this guide, although even this one comes with a twist. Guided by eco principles, right down to encouraging guests to arrive by main roads so as not to disturb local residents, the theme for this year’s party is ‘Fact or fiction: dreams, invention and discovery, the twilight, the future’. Although the only accommodation available at the party is camping, luxury tents are available for the more discerning festival-goer, and with acts such as Gorillaz, Marina and the Diamonds and the Mercury Rev performing, it may well be worth it!

Bristol Harbour Festival – July 30th-August 1st

Before Banksy and Skins, Bristol made its name as one of the world’s most important trading ports, and this festival aims to celebrate Bristol’s rich maritime history as well as incorporating elements that bring it bang up to date. This year’s festival looks set to include an Eco Zone as well as the usual music and dancing, markets and food stalls. Of course, you mustn’t forget the boats. Over 225 attended last year’s event including Matthew, a replica of a Tudor merchant ship captained by John Cabot, one of Bristol’s most famous sons who actually discovered America before Columbus did!

Brecon Jazz Festival – 6th-8th August

Organised by the same people responsible for the Hay Literary Festival, Brecon Jazz brings the world of music to the otherwise sleepy town of Brecon in the Welsh mountains. Jamie Cullum cut his teeth and got the attention of the music industry here in 2003, and this year’s festival will see the arrival of other newcomers, who share the bill alongside the legendary Buena Vista Social Club and the Pee Wee Ellis Funk Ensemble. The surroundings are beautiful too, if you are something of an outdoorsy type!

Vintage at Goodwood – 13th-15th August 2010

‘Celebrating five decades of British cool’ is the tagline for this exciting exploration of all that is good in art, music, film, design and fashion. With plenty of places to stay nearby that do not involve sleeping under canvas and do involve an en-suite, and an ethos that any discerning BSB reader could happily live by, this is the ultimate fashionistas party. With vintage catwalk shows and shopping, hair and beauty salons, burlesque shows, classic British cinema AND music from the Noisettes and Paloma Faith (amongst others), I really do wonder whether just three days would be enough to take it all in! Alternatively visit their Twitter

After compiling this list I became painfully aware of how all the events I had chosen were in the south of the UK, and I had a pang of guilt towards my northern sisters (having lived in Leeds for the last three years, I feel like an honorary northerner at least). With this in mind, I would like to draw your attention to Efestivals, a very comprehensive site listing happenings all over the country, and would love to hear your suggestions via entry comments or Twitter for events you think are worthy of a shout!

Admittedly I have never been to a big festival, for one thing I can't afford it and for another I hate camping and in turn it hates me. I did however go to the Newcastle Evolution Weekender last year- two days for twenty quid? yes please!

My music range is what I guess you would call eclectic, basically everything and anything, a diverse bunch that not many people like many of the same bands or singers as me. I've been to a lot of gigs, from tiny little pub gigs with 6 people in the place- including myself and my friend on the door, the promoter and singer- to huge arena tours but I have never missed a support act.

Who know's I could discover my new favourite, fall in love with a new song or if all else fails dance like a crazy with my friends becoming more and more excited for the main event. The most bizarre things can happen during a support act's set too. And I have witnessed some weirdly wonderfuls, a mosh pit during the Human league, Marina of Marina and the diamonds dancing and singing wildly to Gwen stefani whilst wearing a glittering black and silver cheerleading outfit and how could I forget Gary Go "chatting me up" during his set. I say chatting me up, me and my two friends were actually the only ones cheering him on and we were front row centre, he simply pointed to me twice and asked me How I was, what I was doing for christmas and where I lived. no biggie really *fans self*. This rule also applies to the lesser known bands, I urge you if you do shell out all that money for a ticket please atleast see some new bands.

An even bigger tip would be if you like one style of music head to a completely different genre's stage, broadening horizons! If you're a dance or electro girl go see someone like frankie and the heartstrings, bombay bicycle club or two door cinema club. Raving is still optional though glowsticks may be frowned upon, maybe take a checky scarf instead.

Alternatively if you like indie sounds head on down to the dance stage, be prepared for a big dose or raving with a side order of feel good vibes. Kissy Sellout, Annie Mac presents and little boots or her associated DJ group Lovin and Gambling are definately worth checking out.

Finally, on top of that, here are some tips

• don't take yourself too seriously- who cares if you have sharpie marker on your arms? Its a festival about 2,000 others are in the same rain soaked muddy drunken boat- relax or you'll regret it!
• Never think it won't rain- I learnt this at Dalby forest last year and dressed in 3/4's and a vest. Always have wellies and a waterproof coat ALWAYS.
• Dress sensibly- A vintage maxi dress in a muddy field? Do you want to still be able to take this home after the weekend? I have three words for you. Primark, Matalan, Asda.
• Never split up- ALWAYS have at least one friend with you, yes you might get front row but what fun is that without someone to have a laugh with?

Festivals, festivals, festivals.

Hippie headbands, cool hats, floaty florals and Hunter wellies.

Portaloos and muddy fields...

OK, I'll just get it out and say it; the type of festival that's in fashion at the moment, where the celebrities are photographed and end up on the style pages, just isn't 'me'. Sure there's the whole fashion experience and maybe it would be nice to use my Cath Kidston print tent and even my fellow debutantes of 2010 are festival mad! But the fact remains that my knowledge of current mainstream music is completely pathetic and I'm fine with that. Besides the fashion, and to be honest despite being a country girl I'd rather be in heels, dare I say some of the experience just sounds a little icky?

Mulberry is getting in on the festival scene right now. I could hardly not notice the huge 'GLASTONBURY' in the window whilst walking in Bond Street yesterday. Photographer Venetia Dearden has collaborated with the brand to creat a book of Glastonbury related photographs; the scene, the revellers, the performers. It is available for £30 online, at Bond St and New York Madison. Both Bond St and Madison Avenue are also exhibiting a selection of the images.

Having said all of the above there is one festival I regularly go to though and it involves to tents at all! The Lichfield Festival this year lasts from 8th-18th July and hosts a huge variety of acts. Now this is very handy as Lichfield is about half and hours drive away from where I live and my uncle lives there! There are all kinds of events each day. One of my very favourites was The Puppini Sisters at the Lichfield Garrick a couple of years back, their music is in the style of the Andrews Sisters and is just fabulous. My joint favourite opera (with the Magic Flute) is the Bartered Bride and it is so rarely performed so it was extra nice that last year the overture was played, most beautifully, on the last night which is always at Lichfield Cathedral.

Although there is a dress code as with all theatre trips I adopt a ladylike approach- well I am a debutante and a little glamour never goes amiss. For afternoon events a skirt and blouse are lovely. And for evening a dress with heels. On the last night there are fireworks and entertainment in the park so a change of footwear might be in order and a cardigan makes for a good cover up. As for the men a jacket is always smart and if you like ties, now here I must say my own Dad doesn't so it's a personal preference or whether you like them or not, it highly suitable, but it's not quite the occasion for the very best suit. 

So there you have it, an elegant festival with no worries of hygiene or sinking into the mud never to return. =)

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