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!